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HIV- periodontal disease. A review of research prospects: a South African and Namibian perspective.

In the course of infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) typical changes of inflammatory periodontal disease may arise. It is estimated that the prevalence of HIV-associated periodontal diseases may vary between 5% and 12% and can occur in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. These oral lesions are very important either as an initial presentation of AIDS or as a sign of established immunosuppression. For the patients, HIV-associated periodontal diseases can cause pain, severe discomfort and a decreased quality of life. It is therefore important, from both diagnostic and therapeutic aspects, for dentists to be able to distinguish and diagnose HIV-associated periodontal diseases as early recognition and treatment of these oral lesions may reduce morbidity and allow more comfort to the patient during progression of the disease. This paper reviews the current international and regional status of HIV-associated periodontal diseases and highlights research prospects in countries such as Namibia and South Africa, to further analyse periodontal diseases in HIV/AIDS patients.