Oral manifestations of HIV: analysis of oropharyngeal candidiasis as an immunological marker
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56294/shp2024141Keywords:
oropharyngeal candidiasis, HIV, immunosuppression, antiretroviral therapy, Candida albicansAbstract
Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is a highly prevalent fungal infection in immunosuppressed patients, especially those infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Candida albicans has been described as the main etiological agent, capable of changing its morphology to facilitate invasion of the oral mucosa. The onset of OP was found to be closely related to low CD4+ lymphocyte levels and was recognised as an early marker of progression to AIDS. In addition, the different clinical manifestations of OP and its higher frequency in patients not receiving effective antiretroviral therapy were analysed. The research concluded that early diagnosis, immunological monitoring, and appropriate antifungal therapy were essential for improving the quality of life of HIV-positive patients. Despite advances in antiretroviral therapy, oropharyngeal candidiasis persisted as a relevant infection, especially in resource-limited settings.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Joaquin Edgardo Torres , Virginia Marta Jewtuchowicz (Author)
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