Oral manifestations of HIV infection

Cytomegalovirus infection among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected individuals on highly active anti-retroviral therapy in North-Central Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is common among HIV-infected individuals. Its contribution to morbidity and mortality became more apparent following introduction of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) which improved survival among HIV-infected individuals.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed at determining the prevalence of both active and latent CMV infections among HIV-infected individuals on HAART in Ilorin, Nigeria.

METHODS

A total of 360 consented HIV-1 patients were recruited for the study. About 5ml of blood and socio-demographic data were collected from each patient. Plasma from the blood was tested for anti-CMV IgM and IgG presence using ELISA.

RESULTS

Of the 360 participants tested, 42 (11.7%) and 265 (73.6%) were respectively anti-CMV IgM and IgG antibodies positive representing active and latent infection rates respectively. Gender and age were the correlates of IgM seropositivity while age, occupation and marital status correlated with IgG seropositivity. Occupation, marital status, use of HAART and CD4+ count were not statistically associated with IgM level while gender, use of HAART and CD4+ count did not correlate with IgG level.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has demonstrated high level of latent and active CMV infection among HAART recipients in Ilorin and highlighted the need for incorporation of anti-herpes drugs in the treatment regimen.

Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity in head and neck malignancies in sub-Saharan Africa

CONCLUSION

Salivary gland diseases should be handled with a high index of suspicion. Although an inference could be drawn it is not clear from this study if primary head and neck cancers (HNCs) have a significant association with HIV/AIDS.

OBJECTIVE

HIV/AIDS manifestations and malignancies do occur in the head and neck region. The head and neck surgeon is thus involved in the early identification and management of this group of patients. This study evaluated the prevalence of HIV seropositivity in head and neck malignancies (HNMs) in our centre.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a 10 year (January 1996-June 2006) study of all consecutive cases of histologically confirmed HNMs seen in the ENT department of our centre. Participants had HIV screening by ELISA; those with reactive results had a further confirmatory test (mainly Western blot). Pre-test counselling preceded informed consent of each participant. Seropositive participants had post test counselling. All had surgical biopsy for histology.

RESULTS

A total of 521 HNCs (6.6%) were seen in 7941 otolaryngologic consultations within the study period. Males constituted 67.4% and females 32.6% (M:F ratio 2.1:1). Their mean age was 22.1+/-13.7 years (age range 8-85 years). HNCs were most common in the sixth decade. Ten participants (six males and four females) of the study population were HIV seropositive - a prevalence of 1.9% with 70% being in the 17-45 years age group. Laryngeal cancer (n=163, 31.3%) was the most common HNC. Four (36.4%) of the 11 cases of malignant salivary gland cancers (all parotid) were HIV seropositive. More cases of HIV seropositivity were observed during the HNC peak period of 2004-2006.