Ear, nose and throat lesions in hiv/aids patients in komfo anokye teaching hospital, kumasi, ghana.

BACKGROUND

HIV/AIDS is one of the devastating endemic diseases within the subregion. This condition may be associated with certain specific presentations of which may be confined to the ear, nose, throat and the neck region.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this study was to evaluate ear, nose and throat (ENT) lesions which may be more associated with the HIV/AIDS infection.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: Ninety-three patients who reported to the ENT Clinic of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital with certain ENT presentations were screened for HIV/AIDS infection. This was a five-year prospective study conducted at the ENT Clinic and the Microbiology laboratory (KATH). Ethical clearance was approved by the Joint Ethical Committee (KATH/KNUST). Those with other co-morbid pathologies were excluded.

RESULT: In all 67.2% were found to be sero-positive. Among the common ENT manifestations include Herpes zoster oticus (Ramsay-Hunt syndrome) 33.9%, Cervical lymphadenopathy 21.0%, Fungal sinusitis 6.5%, Oropharyngeal candidiasis 17.7% etc.

CONCLUSION

This study collaborates the knowledge that ENT lesions are more associated with the HIV/AIDS infection presence of which should always prompt the ENT surgeon to screen the patients for the HIV/AIDS.