Orofacial lesions as indicators of HIV/AIDS among dental patients in Kenya

Abstract

Despite an estimated prevalence of 3-5% of HIV infection in Kenya, little has been reported on the occurrence of oral lesions amongst the afflicted individuals. We report ten cases who presented with orofacial lesions and subsequent serological evaluation confirmed them seropositive. In the light of the numerous problems facing clinical staff in less developed countries, these findings underscore the significance of clinical identification of more probable HIV patients on the basis of orofacial signs. Continuing education with respect to HIV infection through wider dissemination of information on orofacial signs to clinical staff especially in the context of invasive care and containment of infection are recommended