Prevalence of dental caries, gingivitis, and oral hygiene in hospitalized AIDS cases in Kinshasa, Zaire
Tukutuku, K.; Muyembe-Tamfum, L.; Kayembe, K.; Mavuemba, T.; Sangua, N.; Sekele, I.
Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine Official Publication of the International Association of Oral Pathologists and the American Academy of Oral Pathology 19(6): 271-272
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0904-2512 PMID: 2401961 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0714.1990.tb00840.xDocument Number: 372709
Although atypical gingivitis may be an early indicator of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, dental caries and periodontal disease has not been investigated in African HIV patients. To correct this gap in the research, the prevalence of dental caries, gingival inflammation, and oral hygiene was measured in 83 male and female acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients hospitalized in Kinshasa, Zaire, in 1988-89. Most patients were 21-40 years of age; the mean age was 39 years. 32% of these patients has decayed teeth, teeth were missing in 35%, and 5% had fillings. According to the Plaque Index, 69% of the AIDS patients had good oral hygiene. On the other hand, 66% (76% of females and 54% of males) has gingival inflammation, and it was considered severe in 30% of these cases. The only variable that was significantly higher among AIDS patients than healthy individuals in Kinshasa was gingivitis. The high incidence of gingivitis in AIDS patients is most likely a reflection of an impaired immune system and the susceptibility to opportunistic infections. Oral candidiasis was isolated from subgingival plaque in 94% of the cases in this series, suggesting a need for more attention to the role of Candida in the pathogenesis of HIV-related periodontal disease.