Oral lesions have been reported to be the initial signs of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) infection. The main objective of the present study was to observe the prevalence of oral lesions among HIV/AIDS patients undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) attending the antiretroviral therapy (ART) center in Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India.

One hundred and eight HIV/AIDS positive patients were evaluated by a single examiner. Patients’ oral cavity was examined and the various oral manifestations detected were recorded.

The most common extraoral manifestation was lipoatrophy, and intraorally, the most prevalent findings were intraoral pigmentation (42.6%) and candidiasis (27.8%). However, the prevalence of the most commonly associated lesions like Kaposi's sarcoma (1.9%) and linear gingival erythema (2.7%) was less.

Oral lesions are considered to be markers of progression of HIV into the final stage of AIDS. Advent of HAART has shown a significant reduction in the oral lesions and a better quality of life in patients with HIV.

Denny CE, Ramapuram J, Bastian TS, Ongole R, Binnal A, Natarajan S, Ahmed J. Oral Lesions in HIV/AIDS Patients on a highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy. Word J Dent 2016;7(2):95-99.