Tuberculosis affecting the oral cavity in Brazilian HIV-infected patients

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) affecting the oral cavity is a very rare disease. We reviewed the medical data of 18 HIV(1)-infected patients referred to the Stomatology Group, Ear, Nose, and Throat Department, São Paulo University Medical School, who had a diagnosis of oral tuberculosis, between 1991 and 2002. This retrospective study aimed to analyze the relationship between oral tuberculosis and HIV infection. The clinical records of the patients were reviewed to note age and gender, symptoms, and site and type of the lesions in the oral mucosa. Results of CD4+ T-lymphocyte count, sputum analysis, tuberculin skin test, histopathologic characteristics, cultures of the specimens (that were taken during the biopsy), chest x-ray findings, and the type of treatment they received were also reviewed. The most affected sites were palate and tongue. All patients had culture confirming tuberculosis. Patients with HIV and nonhealing oral lesions or papillomatous masses in the oral mucosa should be screened for the presence of pulmonary tuberculosis.