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Category:

Oral Manifestations of HIV

Number of Conditions: 1

Hairy Leukoplakia

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Oral Manifestations of HIV

Symptoms:
white, corrugated patches on the lateral tongue; painless lesions; difficulty swallowing (rare)

Root Cause:
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in the setting of immunosuppression.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination and biopsy of lesions. EBV DNA testing may confirm diagnosis.

Treatment:
Antiviral therapy is not always necessary; ART is the primary treatment to restore immune function.

Medications:
High-dose acyclovir or valacyclovir (antivirals) may be used for severe or persistent cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in up to 25% of HIV patients with CD4 counts below 200 cells/micro L.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced HIV, immunosuppression, poor oral hygiene.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Resolves with effective ART; not usually life-threatening.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cosmetic concerns and potential secondary infections.