HIV is a highly dangerous infectious disease caused by infection with the AIDS virus (HIV), a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. It targets CD4 T-lymphocytes, the most important cells in the immune system, and destroys them in large numbers, causing the body to lose its immune function. The incubation period of HIV in the human body is 8-9 years on average, and one can live and work for many years without any symptoms before suffering from AIDS.
AIDS is also known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, its oral manifestations are: 1, oral mucosa Candida albicans infection, as a precursor symptom of AIDS, a few appear in the middle of the disease, multiple mucous membranes appear patchy, erythematous or white spots, white cheese-like exudate on the surface, picture examination is visible with Candida albicans.
2, oral hairy mucosal leukoplakia, manifested as white mucosal leukoplakia with unclear boundaries, slightly elevated, with blurred boundaries, sometimes wrinkled or proliferated into a blanket-like.
3, Kaposi’s sarcoma, can occur in any part of the oral mucosa, manifesting as purple-red patches or flat elevated masses, soft to the touch, the boundary is indistinct, easy to bleed.
4, gingivitis periodontitis, can affect the entire gum, showing purple-red swelling, gingival papillae can appear necrosis, ulcers, hyperplasia hypertrophy can cover the entire tooth surface.
5, oral herpes, the oral mucosa appears small blisters or small papules, may be caused by herpes simplex virus.
6, swollen lymph nodes in the face and neck, commonly swollen lymph nodes in front of the ear, behind the ear, posterior neck area and submandibular area.
7. Infection of salivary glands, enlargement of parotid and submandibular glands, bilateral diffuse enlargement, accompanied by dry mouth and dry eyes.
Early diagnosis is very important for patients with unexplained appearance of the above symptoms and signs, especially for susceptible people. Oral hairy mucous membrane leukoplakia can be of diagnostic value as a pointer to the early diagnosis of AIDS.