OBJECTIVES: To determine the: (1) Predictive value of Group I lesions using LR; (2) HIV prevalence amongst attendees at PHC facilities; and (3) Prevalence of HIV-related group I oral lesions
METHODS: All patients > 12 months of age presenting at two PHC facilities (Heidelberg and Khutsong) for curative care over a one-week period in April and May 2005 were included. Consent was obtained by trained counselors who offered pre-test counseling to all patients. Two calibrated dentists conducted an oral examination and administered a rapid saliva HIV test (OraQuick HIV-1/2-Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test).
RESULTS: A total of 400 and 254 attendees were surveyed at Heidelberg and Khutsong respectively. There were no refusals. The mean age of participants was 34 years and the majority (73%) were female. The HIV prevalence rates were 34% at Heidelberg and 36% at Khutsong. Of the 228 who tested positive for HIV, more than half (53%) had 1 or more oral lesions associated with HIV. Oral candidiasis (28%) and oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL-7%) were the two most common oral lesions diagnosed. For single lesions, only Angular Cheilitis and OHL were significant (LR >10); Multiple lesions were better predictors of HIV infection.
CONCLUSIONS: HIV burden among PHC attendees was high. Oral lesions are useful markers of HIV-infection and should alert clinicians to the presence of HIV-infection. Multiple lesions were more predictive of HIV infection compared to single lesion