Tuberculosis affecting the oral cavity in Brazilian HIV-infected patients

Abstract

Objective: Tuberculosis (TB) affecting the oral cavity is a very rare disease. We reviewed the medical data of 18 HIV(1)-infected patients referred to the Stomatology Group, Ear, Nose, and Throat Department, São Paulo University Medical School, who had a diagnosis of oral tuberculosis, between 1991 and 2002. This retrospective study aimed to analyze the relationship between oral tuberculosis and HIV infection.

Study design: The clinical records of the patients were reviewed to note age and gender, symptoms, and site and type of the lesions in the oral mucosa. Results of CD4+ T-lymphocyte count, sputum analysis, tuberculin skin test, histopathologic characteristics, cultures of the specimens (that were taken during the biopsy), chest x-ray findings, and the type of treatment they received were also reviewed.

Results: The most affected sites were palate and tongue. All patients had culture confirming tuberculosis.

Conclusion: Patients with HIV and nonhealing oral lesions or papillomatous masses in the oral mucosa should be screened for the presence of pulmonary tuberculosis.