A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CD4 COUNT AND ORAL LESIONS IN HIV PATIENTS ON ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY

Tarsariya Vivek M.†, Shah Jigna S., Anita Prajapati Tarsariya and Ramavat Sejal

ABSTRACT

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection causes a quantitative and qualitative depletion of CD4 lymphocyte count which gradually destroys the body’s immune system and increases the risk of opportunistic infections. Aim: To check correlation between oral lesions with CD4 count in HIV patients on antiretroviral treatment. Material and Methods: Total 90 HIV infected patients on antiretroviral treatment were selected by simple random sampling and their oral cavity screened for any oral lesions and their latest CD4 count noted. Results: HIV infection destroys the immune system by depletion of CD4 counts making the patient susceptible to various infections. With the advent of antiretroviral therapy, the scenario has changed drastically. Still many patients show different oral manifestations related to disease or drug therapy. Conclusions: According to the results, it seems that CD4 counts and oral lesions are related to the degree of immunosuppression and such lesions can be considered as indicators of the progression of the HIV infection.

Keywords: Antiretroviral treatment, ART, CD4 count, Candidiasis, HIV, Oral lesions.