Oral Hairy Leukoplakia

Abstract

Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) and oral candidiasis (OC) are the most common Human Immunodefi ciency Virus (HIV) infection-associated oral diseases, and can act as a marker for immunosuppression. Patients with a prolonged immunodefi ciency caused by HIV infection tend to develop OHL and OC, as a progression of Acquired Immune Defi ciency Syndrome (AIDS). Few studies describe the joint manifestation of OHL and OC, and its fi ndings are enigmatic. Lower CD4 count and smoking in HIV-infected patients can be independent risk factors for joint manifestation of OHL and OC. OC can be a primary disease or a secondary lesion superimposed on OHL. OHL is a benign oral lesion related to the infection of oral epithelium by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is commonly related with AIDS, but it may also be observed in patients with other immunosuppressed states. OHL is an asymptomatic white plaque on the lateral borders of the tongue and a fl at, corrugated, or hairy surface that is not removable when scraped. EBV can be identifi ed through electronic microscopy techniques, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and polymerase chain reaction; however, the exfoliative cytology can also be used to diagnose OHL. Treatment for OHL is not necessary in most of the patients. Topical treatment such as