HIV Early Oral Manifestation — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateMicrobiologyHIV Early Oral ManifestationMFDS Part 1

Which of the following is the most commonly encountered oral manifestation of HIV infection and may precede an AIDS-defining illness?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Oral candidiasis

Oral candidiasis is the correct answer. Its erythematous and pseudomembranous forms are among the earliest indicators of HIV-related immune dysfunction, and reviews consistently identify it as the most commonly encountered HIV-associated oral lesion. Kaposi sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma can involve the oral cavity but are less common and are associated with advanced, AIDS-defining disease. Oesophageal candidiasis and chronic intestinal cryptosporidiosis are also AIDS-defining opportunistic infections, but neither is an oral lesion. Unexplained, persistent or recurrent oral candidiasis should therefore prompt assessment for underlying predisposing factors, including immunosuppression.

Reference: Tappuni AR. The global changing pattern of the oral manifestations of HIV. Oral Diseases. 2020;26(Suppl 1):22–27. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32862536/