Effects of long-term use of antiretroviral therapy on the prevalence of oral Epstein-Barr virus

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41 : 249–254 Background: The objectives of this study were to determine (i) the prevalence of oral Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in HIV‐infected subjects compared to non‐HIV controls and (ii) the effects of long‐term use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on the prevalence of oral EBV. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was performed in HIV‐infected subjects with and without ART, and non‐HIV individuals. DNA in saliva samples was extracted and used as a template to detect EBV BamH1W and EBNA1 by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Student t‐test and ANOVA test were performed to determine the prevalence rates among groups. Results: Forty‐nine HIV‐infected subjects: 37 on ART (age range 23–54 year, mean 37 year), 12 not on ART (age range 20–40 year, mean 31 year), and 20 non‐HIV controls (age range 19–53 year, mean 31 year) were enrolled. The numbers of EBV BamH1W in saliva were found to be significantly higher in HIV‐infected subjects than non‐HIV controls (80% vs. 20%, mean = 12 118 vs. 134 copies/10⁵ cells, P < 0.001). HIV‐infected subjects who were on ART had significantly lower numbers of EBV BamH1W than those who were not (mean = 4102 vs. 138 613 copies/10⁵ cells, P = 0.011). The numbers were significantly lower in those who received long‐term ART compared with short‐term (mean = 1401 vs. 11 124 copies/10⁵ cells, P = 0.034). No significant difference was observed between the groups when using EBNA1 primers. Conclusions: Prevalence of oral EBV was significantly higher in HIV‐infected subjects than non‐HIV‐controls. The numbers of the virus were significantly decreased by ART. Long‐term use of ART did not increase oral EBV.     

Impacts of HIV infection and long-term use of antiretroviral therapy on the prevalence of oral human papilloma virus type 16

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41 : 309–314 Background: The objectives of this study were to determine (i) the prevalence and the copy numbers of oral human papilloma virus type 16 (HPV‐16) in HIV‐infected patients compared with non‐HIV controls, and (ii) the effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and its duration on the virus. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was carried out in HIV‐infected patients with and without ART and in non‐HIV controls. Saliva samples were collected, and the DNA extracted from those samples was used as a template to detect HPV‐16 E6 and E7 by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Student’s t‐test and ANOVA test were performed to determine the prevalence rates among groups. Results: Forty‐nine HIV‐infected patients: 37 on ART (age range, 23–54 years; mean, 37 years), 12 not on ART (age range, 20–40 years; mean, 31 years), and 20 non‐HIV controls (age range, 19–53 years; mean, 31 years) were enrolled. The prevalence of oral HPV‐16 infection and the copy numbers of the virus were significantly higher in HIV‐infected patients than in non‐HIV controls when using E6 assay (geometric mean = 10696 vs. 563 copies/10⁵ cells, P < 0.001), but not E7 assay. No significant difference was observed between those who were and were not on ART. Long‐term use of ART did not significantly change the prevalence of oral HPV‐16 infection and the copy numbers of the virus (P = 0.567). Conclusion: We conclude that the prevalence of oral HPV‐16 infection and the copy numbers of the virus are increased by HIV infection. Neither the use of ART nor its duration significantly affected the virus.     

Oral manifestations in 45 HIV-positive children from Northern Thailand

Forty-five Northern Thai children with HIV infection or AIDS were examined for oral manifestations. Of these children, 51.1% (n=23) were asymptomatic (category N), 48.9% were mildly, moderately or severely symptomatic (category A, B, C) and 48.9% (n=22) revealed oral lesions. Eleven patients (24.4%) showed one oral lesion, eight (17.8%) had two and three (6.6%) had three oral lesions. Erythematous candidiasis was the most common lesion (17.8%). Oral hairy leukoplakia was seen in 6.7% (n=3). Geographic tongue, not usually considered to be associated with HIV infection, was seen in 6.7% (n=3). Only 15 patients (33.3%) received antiretroviral therapy (ART). Comparison of patients with or without ART did not show differences in the prevalence of oral lesions. More studies in Thai HIV-infected children are needed to reveal the prevalence of oral manifestations, as well as for the predictive value of the most common or specific oral manifestations.     

Decline in the rate of oral opportunistic infections following introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy

In recent years the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals has been based on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) comprising a combination of nucleoside analogues or the combination of these agents with protease inhibitors. The aim of the present study was to describe the prevalence of oral lesions in a cohort of 103 HIV-seropositive patients on HAART, to compare these data with the prevalence of lesions prior to HAART and to correlate these finding with the immunologic data. A total of 103 HIV-seropositive patients on HAART were selected. Oral lesions associated with HIV infection and immunological parameters were registered. On re-examination 6 months after the first evaluation, 61/103 patients were available. Comparing the prevalence of oral lesions before and after the onset of HAART, the number of oral lesions was significantly lower (P=0.001). The number of CD4+ cells increased and the viral load decreased significantly after initiation of HAART (P=0.001 and P= 0.0001). On re-examination 6 months later, the prevalence of lesions again decreased significantly (P=0.001). The immunological benefits of HAART may prevent HIV-associated oral lesions in patients with advanced HIV disease. Our results showed that oral manifestations decrease on HAART, but in four patients the immunological effects of therapy did not provide sufficient protection against human papillomavirus (HPV)induced lesions.     

Oral manifestations of an HIV positive cohort in the era of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) in South London

BACKGROUND: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is associated with oral manifestations of diagnostic and prognostic importance. With the advent of Highly Active Anti-retroviral Therapy (HAART) there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that the prevalence of oral lesions has declined. The number of prevalence studies, carried out in the era of HAART is, however, meagre. Our aim was to study the prevalence of the oral manifestations of HIV in a population, predominantly on HAART, attending a Genito-Urinary Medicine Centre in South London. METHODS: This cross sectional study included 203 adult volunteers, comprising 76% males and 24% females. One third of the subjects were from the predominantly African or Afro- Caribbean ethnic minority groups resident in London. The relationship between the prevalence of oral lesions and demographic variables, therapeutic regimes, viral load and CD4 counts were evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred (49%) of the patients had no detectable oral lesions. Oral lesions detected most frequently included oral hairy leukoplakia (9.9%), HIV associated periodontal diseases (9.9%) and oral candidiasis (4.9%). Three subjects had multiple papillomatous growths. Most cases (n = 17/20) of oral hairy leukoplakia were in individuals with a detectable (> 400 copies/ml) plasma RNA viral load. The majority (n = 8/10) of our patients with oral candidiasis had a plasma RNA viral load > 10,000 copies/ml and half (n = 5/10) had a CD4 count < 200 cells/mm3. Logistic regression analysis suggested that the presence of an oral lesion was not associated with any demographic features except for periodontal diseases which were associated with tobacco smoking (P = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of so called 'strongly associated' oral lesions of HIV is low in this South London HIV-infected population on HAART, and the relative frequency is different from that cited in the literature from the pre-HAART era. The oral lesions detected were found mostly in people with low CD4 counts and high HIV-1 RNA viral loads, suggesting they were very immunocompromised, not on, or declining therapy, or that their therapy was failing.     

Oral manifestations of HIV infection by gender and transmission category in Mexico City

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in Mexico City from September 1989 to March 1996, to determine the prevalence of HIV-related oral manifestations by gender and route of HIV transmission. The diagnosis of HIV-associated oral lesions was based on preestablished criteria. For the statistical analysis chisquared and Fisher's exact tests were used where appropriate. Odds ratios were calculated as estimates of the relative risks. Control of confounding factors was performed by logistic regression models. Oral lesions were present in 75% of 436 HIV⁺ patients. Hairy leukoplakia, erythematous and pseudomembranous candidosis, angular cheilitis and oral ulcers were frequently found. Patients who contracted HIV through blood transfusion were more likely to present erythematous candidosis (P=0.005) than subjects who acquired HIV through sexual transmission. Oral ulcers were seen only in men (P=0.02) and in individuals who contracted HIV through sexual transmission (P=0.02). This study brings valuable data in regard to differences in the type and prevalence of HIV-related oral lesions by gender and the risk categories analysed, particularly blood transfusion.     

Oral manifestations in HIV/AIDS infected patients from India

OBJECTIVES: To assess types and prevalence of HIV-related oral lesions among HIV-infected individuals in south India and to correlate common oral findings with co-morbidities, gender, age and medication. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred and one patients with HIV infection or AIDS at infectious diseases units of Attavar Hospital, Mangalore, and medical wards of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, were selected. Sociodemographic information was obtained using a structured questionnaire. Oral lesions were diagnosed according to the presumptive criteria of EEC-Clearinghouse Classification. Clinical history was retrieved from patient's medical records. RESULTS: Erythematous candidiasis (44.5%), melanotic hyperpigmentaion (34.6%) and xerostomia (29.7%) were among the most common oral manifestations. A significant association was found between oral candidiasis and advanced immunosuppression (P < 0.05). Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) was predominant in individuals <35 years (P < 0.05). Melanotic hyperpigmentation was significantly associated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (P < 0.05). OHL was more frequent in patients with HIV-associated tuberculosis. Linear gingival erythema was more predominant in females. CONCLUSIONS: Oral hairy leukoplakia showed a positive relationship with patients younger than 35 years. Oral candidiasis can act as a marker for immunosuppression. Angular cheilitis was predominant in the symptomatic stage.     

Changes in the prevalence of HIV-associated mucosal disease at a dedicated clinic over 7 years

OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in the prevalence of mucosal disease in patients with HIV/AIDS. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of clinic database. SETTING: An open-access dental clinic dedicated to the dental treatment of patients infected with HIV in London, UK. SUBJECTS: Dental patients attending for routine assessment (check-up). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of HIV associated oral lesions, diagnosed in accordance with EC classification criteria, in patients taking and not taking antiretroviral therapies (ARTs). RESULTS: Data were collected at 2789 dental examinations for 1590 patients between 1992 and 1998. More patients taking ART had one or more oral manifestations in the years up to 1996, after which the prevalence fell to a similar level to those not taking medications. The prevalence of mucosal disease in patients not taking ART was relatively constant over time. These trends were observed for oral hairy leukoplakia, pseudomembranous and erythematous candidiasis and Kaposi's sarcoma but not for oral papillomata. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide evidence that decreases in the prevalence of oral disease in people with HIV infection can be attributed to the effectiveness of ART.     

Oral manifestations of HIV infected children undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy

Oral manifestations in paediatric HIV infection are diverse and show differences in clinical presentation and severity from that of adults. Very little data exist for oral lesions in paediatric population in India. We aimed to evaluate the oral manifestations of Paediatric HIV seropositive patients undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The cross sectional study was conducted on forty four HIV positive children in the age group of 8–14 years undergoing HAART at NGO centres in Salem district were included in the study. Children were examined for oral lesions and diagnosed in accordance with European council Clearinghouse-World Health Organization. Patients were classified with respect to their immune status based on CD4 count. The common oral manifestations associated with HIV were found to be reduced with the introduction of HAART.     

Effect of PI-HAART on the prevalence of oral lesions in HIV-1 infected patients. A Greek study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between the prevalence of oral lesions and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) including a protease inhibitor (PI). DESIGN: Prospective study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-five consecutive patients, attending an AIDS Unit, in Greece entered the study. Fourty-four patients were receiving PI- HAART, 14 patients were on double antiretroviral therapy, and 37 patients were not receiving antiretroviral therapy at the time of oral examination. Oral lesions were diagnosed by established presumptive clinical criteria. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Oral lesions were scored. CD4 counts and viral load were determined and related to the prevalence of oral lesions. RESULTS: Oral lesions, and specifically oral candidiasis, were significantly reduced (P < 0.001) in patients receiving PI-HAART. Oral lesions were significantly increased in patients with CD4 counts <200 cells microl(-1) and viral load >20,000 copies ml(-1) (P < 0.001). The percentage of patients, with lesions on PI-HAART, and with CD4 < 200 and viral load >20,000 was 1.5 times lower (37.5%vs 58.8%, P < 0.001) than that of patients not receiving antiretroviral therapy, but with similar immune and viremic status. CONCLUSIONS: Oral lesions were significantly reduced in patients on PI-HAART. A direct anticandidal effect of PI was suggestive and seemed to have accounted, beyond the HAART-related immune reconstitution, for the reduction of candidiasis and all other oral lesions.     

The global changing pattern of the oral manifestations of HIV

The significance of the oral manifestations of HIV has been widely recognised since the start of the epidemic. It is estimated that more than 38 million people are living with HIV currently, with more than a third presenting with oral manifestations. Access to optimum clinical management and effective treatment in resource‐rich countries has led to a remarkable decrease in some of the oral manifestations in the HIV population but this is not mirrored in developing countries, where most HIV‐positive patients reside. In this paper, a review of the literature since the start of the HIV infection in different parts of the world is presented to highlight the current significance of the oral conditions in this population. Oral candidiasis was repeatedly reported as the most encountered oral manifestation of HIV in different countries, including in studies on groups on anti‐retroviral therapy. Over time salivary gland disease was reported less in developed countries but was encountered more in developing countries. There is evidence to show that the prevalence of oral warts increased with the establishment of anti‐retroviral therapy. A review of the worldwide prevalence of HIV‐related oral conditions indicates that except for oral hairy leucoplakia, the prevalence of all other nine commonly reported oral conditions remained the same or increased over time. Oral opportunistic infections in HIV‐infected patients are an ongoing clinical burden mainly in developing countries. Maintaining research in the subject and improving access to HIV treatment will help address the oral health inequalities around the world.     

HIV/AIDS患者口腔病损的临床特点分析

目的了解艾滋病相关口腔病损的临床特点及其与CD4计数和高效抗逆转病毒治疗（highly active antiretroviral therapy,HAART）之间的关系。方法回顾性研究2012~2013年在我院收治的109例HIV/AIDS患者的临床资料,包括流行病史、艾滋病临床阶段、口腔表现、全身症状、CD4计数、治疗及预后等,通过Excel建立数据库,进行统计学分析。结果 109例HIV/AIDS患者中48例出现艾滋病相关口腔病损,其中口腔念珠菌感染48例（44.03%）,以假膜型为主,口腔深大溃疡5例（4.59%）,卡波西肉瘤和淋巴瘤各2例（1.83%）,牙龈线型红斑、口腔单纯疱疹和口腔疣各1例（0.92%）。CD4〈200个/ul组口腔病损的发生率高于CD4≧200个/ul（P〈0.01）,HAART治疗组口腔病损的发生率低于未治疗组（P〈0.01）,差异有显著性。结论口腔是HIV/AIDS患者最常见的机会性感染部位。口腔病损中以假膜型口腔念珠菌病最常见,其次是口腔深大溃疡、口腔恶性肿瘤。卡波西肉瘤和淋巴瘤死亡率高,早期口腔表现易与淋巴结炎、牙龈炎混淆,应尽早进行病理检查,早期诊断。HIV/AIDS患者口腔病损的发生与CD4计数减少有关,HAART治疗能显著降低口腔病损的发生。     

Oral manifestations of HIV infection and their correlation with CD4 count

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-related oral lesions can be used as markers of the immune status. The present cross-sectional study was conducted to identify the oral manifestations in HIV-infected individuals and their association with reduced Cluster of Differentiation 4 (CD4) count. The study population included known HIV-positive patients. A detailed case history of 399 HIV-positive patients was obtained and general examination was carried out. Diagnosis of oral lesions was done based on presumptive criteria of EEC Clearinghouse, 1993. The CD4 count was determined in 369 patients and correlated with oral manifestations. The prevalence of oral lesions was found to be 76.70% (n = 306). Oral candidiasis (157 (39.3%)) was the most common oral lesion associated with HIV infection. Amongst various forms of oral candidiasis, erythematous candidiasis (122 (39.3%)) outnumbered the other forms. The mean CD4 count of patients with oral lesions (207 cells/mm(3)) was less than in patients without oral lesions (291 cells/mm(3)) (P = 0.002). Oral candidiasis was found to be significantly correlated to a reduced CD4 cell count below 200 cells/mm(3) (P = 0.000; Odds ratio = 3.1; 95% Confidence interval 1.9-4.9) with good sensitivity, best specificity and positive predictive value. Oral manifestations may be used as an alternative to CD4 count at field-based settings to diagnose the immune compromised status of HIV-infected individuals.     

Oral lesions and dental caries status in perinatally HIV-infected children in Northern Thailand

Summary. Objective. To describe the prevalence of oral lesions and dental caries status in perinatally HIV-infected children.
Design. A cross-sectional study.
Setting. Paediatric HIV outpatient department at the Nakornping Provincial Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Patients and methods. Forty children with perinatal HIV infection, from early infancy to 12 years of age, were included in the study. These children were examined for oral lesions and dental caries. A number of children receiving antifungal and antiretroviral (ART) therapy were recorded.
Results. The mean DMFT and DMFS scores were both 2·1 (SD = 2·3). The dft and dfs scores were 4·1 (SD = 5·0) and 10·9 (SD = 14·8), respectively. A total of 57·5% of the children had one or more oral lesions. Oral candidiasis and hairy leukoplakia were the most common oral lesions. Only 12·5% of children had received ART. A total of 22·5% of the children had a history of receiving antifungal therapy.
Conclusions. Oral lesions and dental caries were relatively high in this study. Consequently, treatment and prevention for oral lesions and dental caries are inevitably required for children with HIV infection in Northern Thailand. Furthermore, ART should be made available for all HIV-infected children to decrease the prevalence of HIV-associated oral lesions.     

Oro-facial lesions and CD4 counts associated with HIV/AIDS in an adult population in Oyo State, Nigeria

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to define the oro-facial lesions associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in an adult population in Oyo state, Nigeria and to relate these with the level of immune suppression as measured by the CD4 counts. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study population consisted of 679 consecutive subjects who were seen at the state-owned blood bank. Information on demography, medical and medication histories were obtained. Oro-facial examinations were carried out according to Greenspan et al [Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol (1992)73:142-144]. HIV sero-prevalence status was determined for all patients. CD4+ T-lymphocyte count was carried out for those sero-positive for HIV and 31 randomly selected HIV-negative subjects. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Student's t-test and odds ratio where appropriate. RESULTS: Eighty-one (11.9%) of the entire study sample were confirmed HIV positive. The prevalence of specific oral lesions by HIV sero-status revealed that pseudomembranous oral candidiasis and angular cheilitis occurred significantly and more frequently in HIV-positive subjects (33.3 and 21% respectively) than those who were HIV negative (4.3 and 1.8% respectively, P < 0.05). The mean CD4 count of the HIV-positive subjects was 452 cells mm(-3), s.d. 137, while it was 602 cells mm(-3), s.d. 251, for the HIV negatives. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.000). Forty-four (66.7%) subjects with CD4 counts <500 cells mm(-3) had oro-facial lesions whereas among those with CD4 counts >500 cells mm(-3) only 22 (33.3%) had oro-facial lesions (OR = 4.57). CONCLUSION: The type of oro-facial lesions most commonly associated with HIV/AIDS in Oyo state, Nigeria, has been shown to be pseudomembranous oral candidiasis. This was followed by angular cheilitis. These lesions, although found in HIV-negative subjects, were in a lower proportion as compared with HIV-positive subjects. Mean CD4 counts were lower in HIV-positive subjects and this was associated with greater prevalence of oro-facial candidiasis and angular cheilitis.     

Oral fungal colonization and oral candidiasis in renal transplant patients: the relationship to Miswak use

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine and compare the prevalence of oral candidal colonization and oral candidiasis in a group of medically stable renal transplant patients (RTPs) and age and sex-matched healthy control (HC) subjects. STUDY DESIGN: The oral cavities of 58 RTPs and 52 HC subjects were clinically examined for the presence of oral candidiasis. Oral fungal colonization was determined by using the concentrated oral rinse technique. RESULTS: Prevalence of oral fungal colonization was not significantly higher in RTPs than in HC subjects (74.1% vs 59.6%, respectively; P =.1), but the density of growth was significantly higher in RTPs (P <.0017). Oral candidiasis was diagnosed in 15.5% of RTPs but in none of HC subjects (P =.002). RTPs who used a chewing stick (Miswak: Salvadora persica ) for oral hygiene had a significantly lower prevalence of oral candidiasis (P =.04) compared with other RTPs. CONCLUSIONS: RTPs are at high risk of developing oral candidiasis. More clinical investigations are needed to determine the antimycotic effect of Miswak. Regular oral screening is recommended for RTPs.     

Gender differences in human immunodeficiency virus-related oral lesions: an Italian study

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between oral lesions and gender, age, CD4(+) cell count, human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) viral load, antiretroviral therapy, and route of transmission in a group of HIV-infected (HIV+) persons from the Mediterranean region. STUDY DESIGN: The participants in this study were HIV+ adults who sought dental care between January 1999 and June 1999 in the Department of Oral Medicine (University of Palermo, Italy). RESULTS: One hundred thirty-six HIV+ adults came in for an initial oral examination. Their mean age was 35.2 years (SD +/- 7.97), and 33% were women. Their mean CD4(+) cell count was 325.3 x 10(6) /L (SD +/- 225.8), and their HIV-1 viral load was 39,168.3 copies/mL (SD +/- 144,256.1). Oral lesions were found in 47% of the study group, as well as in 56.5% of women (n = 46) versus 45.5% of men (n = 90; P =.05). Oral candidiasis was the most common disease; it is significantly associated with women (P =.004), CD4(+) cell count (P =.005), and HIV-1 viral load (P =.0003). No significant relationships were found between any types of oral lesions and age, antiretroviral therapy, or route of transmission (P >.2). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HIV-related oral lesions was significantly higher in women than in men, especially for oral candidiasis, the most common lesion observed related to immune status and HIV-1 viral load.     

Prevalence and incidence of oral lesions--the changing scene

A range of oral mucosal and periodontal lesions is associated with HIV infection and HIV disease progression. These are often symptomatic and require treatment in themselves, and also have a diagnostic and prognostic role in the management of the underlying HIV disease. These lesions have been broadly divided into: (a) those strongly associated with HIV such as oral candidoses, oral hairy leukoplakia and Kaposi's sarcoma; (b) those less strongly associated such as swellings of the major salivary glands; and (c) those least commonly associated such as recurrent aphthous ulcers. Overall the prevalence and severity of these lesions inversely correlate with the level of immunosuppression. With the passage of time, there has been improved understanding of the disease pathogenesis resulting in the development of new drugs to combat this infection. Medication has changed from monotherapy to current triple combination therapy (Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy). This review looks at the impact of changing therapy on the prevalence of the various oral lesions associated with HIV. It finds a decrease in the prevalence of the oral lesions in the era of combination therapy as compared to earlier periods. It also shows a change in the types of lesions which predominate with those previously placed amongst the strongly associated lesions no longer being predominant in the era of combination therapy where such treatment is available.     

Changes in oral cytokeratin expression in HIV-infected subjects with long-term use of HAART

Oral Diseases (2012) 18 , 793–801 Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine (i) the expression of oral cytokeratins (CKs) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected subjects compared with non‐HIV controls, (ii) the oral CK expression in the subjects with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) compared with those without HAART, and (iii) factors associated with the expression of oral CKs. Materials and methods: Oral tissues from buccal mucosa were obtained by punched biopsy in HIV‐infected subjects with and without HAART, and non‐HIV individuals. The samples were processed for immunohistochemical studies of CK1, CK13, CK14, CK16, and involucrin. The staining intensity was scored and recorded. Logistic regression analysis and multi‐way ANOVA test were performed. Results: The expression of CK13, CK14, and CK16 was found to be significantly different between HIV‐infected subjects and non‐HIV individuals (P < 0.05). The expression of those CKs was also significantly different between those who were and were not on HAART (P < 0.05). No significant difference between the groups was observed regarding CK1 and involucrin. Conclusions: Oral epithelial cell differentiation as marked by the CK expression is affected by HIV infection and use of HAART. CKs may be the useful biomarkers to identify HIV‐infected subjects who are at risk of malignant transformation of the oral mucosa because of HIV infection and HAART.