Oral candidiasis and seborrheic dermatitis in HIV-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy

Abstract

Background: Mucocutaneous manifestations such as oral candidiasis (OC) and seborrheic dermatitis (SD) are very common HIV-related opportunistic events and are usually initial markers of immunodeficiency.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in the regression of HIV-associated OC and SD.

Methods: In a prospective study, 120 HIV-infected patients with OC and SD were divided into two groups: HAART-treated patients (group 1, n=76) and non-HAART-treated patients (group 2, n=44). Non-HAART-treated patients were given antimicrobial therapy. Study subjects were matched for sex, age, risk, and stage of HIV infection. The results were analysed by chi2 test and the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results: At baseline, OC was evident in 59 (77.7%) of the HAART-treated patients and in 34 (77.3%) of the non-HAART-treated patients, while SD was present in 19 (25.0%) of the HAART-treated patients and in 17 (38.6%) of the non-HAART-treated patients. After a median follow-up period of 22 months, regression of OC and SD occurred in 49 (83.1%) and 16 (84.2%) of the HAART-treated patients, respectively. In the control group, regression of OC and SD occurred in only five (14.7%) and seven (41.2%) patients, respectively, during the same period.

Conclusions: HAART showed greater efficacy than standard antimicrobial therapy for the treatment of OC and SD in HIV-infected patients.