Oral Manifestations of HIV Infection and Dental Health Needs of Children with HIV Attending HIV Treatment Clinics in Western Cameroon.

Background and objective: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has reduced morbidity related to HIV infection, but HIV infection remains a public health in the era of HAART. The aim of this study was to investigate the oral manifestations of children living with HIV in the city of Bafoussam, Cameroon.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out between February and April 2022 on children living with HIV/AIDS. A pretested questionnaire and data capture sheet were used to collect participants' data after an interview and clinical examination.

Results: We recruited 163 children, including 89 (54.6%) boys and 74 (45.4%) girls aged 1-18 years. All participants presented with HIV-1 serology, 143 (88%) at WHO stage 1, all were on HAART, 62 (38%) had been on treatment for six years, 144 (89%) had a viral load of less than 1000 copies/ml, none of the children had an infection opportunistic and only 31.3% were taking cotrimoxazole as prophylaxis, 3 (1.8%) had dermatosis and 20 (12.3%) adenopathies. A third 49 (30%) had mucosal pathologies, 30 (19%) gingivitis, 15 (9%) candidiasis oral, and 40 (24.5%) caries pathology. There was a statistically significant association between viral load and caries pathology. Oral hygiene was poor and 151 (92.6%) of the children had never consulted a dental surgeon.

Conclusion and global health implications: This study reveals that irrespective of compliance with HAART, some oral pathology related to HIV still persists. Therefore, early initiation to HAART and improvement of oral hygiene can further reduce these pathologies.