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.