[A patient with periodontitis, oral candidiasis and undiagnosed HIV infection].

BACKGROUND

HIV infection may be associated with necrotic periodontal disease, oral candidiasis and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

MATERIAL, METHODS AND

RESULTS

A 38-year-old man with necrotic periodontal disease and oral candidiasis was referred to the Department of Periodontology, University of Oslo. With a diagnosis of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura he received immunosuppressive medication and had been splenectomized without any improvement. He was referred for HIV testing and diagnosed as HIV positive. Antiviral therapy restored his low platelet counts and increased the numbers of CD4 and CD8 positive cells in peripheral blood. Antifungal treatment with mycostatin and debridement of the teeth combined with metronidazole was effective. The patient has had no recurrence of oral candidiasis, and the periodontal conditions have been stable during the follow-up.

INTERPRETATION: Dentists and physicians should be familiar with the most frequently occurring oral symptoms of HIV infection.