Common Oral Manifestations in HIV-Positive Children

Pediatric immune systems and developing organ systems are more susceptible to HIV infection and thus degrade more rapidly than adults. Oral lesions are often among the first manifestations of HIV infection due to the number of microorganisms present in the mouth which thrive during immunosuppression. In particular, the immunosuppression caused by HIV infection can lead to opportunistic fungal and bacterial infections, a propensity toward malignancy, lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis and thrombocytopenia. Half of all infected infants become symptomatic in the first year of life. Children with T-cell deficiencies tend to have more oral mucosal candidiasis, HSV and recurrent apthous ulcerations.