Abstract

GWENGU, P; BUNN, BK  and  MUDAU, S. Management of Dental Caries in an HIV-infected Child: A Case Report. S. Afr. dent. j. [online]. 2025, vol.80, n.4, pp.214-217. ISSN 0375-1562.

BACKGROUND: HIV/AIDS remains prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa with South Africa maintaining the highest number of daily infections and the largest population of individuals living with HIV. Dental caries as an oral disease itself, is highly prevalent in the same epidemiological region. Contemporary literature documents an increased prevalence and severity of dental caries in association with HIV- infection. This case report describes the clinical presentation of dental caries in an HIV-infected child whilst outlining the management undertaken. CASE REPORT: A 5-year-old male patient was diagnosed with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection shortly after birth. The patient was initiated on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) in 2017. HIV was acquired in this case because of vertical transmission from mother-to-child. Clinical examination showed dental caries on all primary molars as well as the interproximal surfaces of the anterior teeth. DISCUSSION: Oral disease is a common manifestation of HIV within the paediatric patient group. The oral manifestations of HIV need to be documented to underscore the significance of these in Paediatric Dentistry. The detailed management of dental disease should be highlighted to compare treatment with that undertaken in HIV-negative patients. CONCLUSION: Increased research related to HIV-status and caries risk is essential for understanding the management principles required in treating these patients. Furthermore, the synergistic relationship between dental caries and lowered immunity should be highlighted.

Keywords : HAART; HIV; ART; oral manifestations; dental caries; Paediatric Dentistry.

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