Oral candidiasis and seborrheic dermatitis in HIV-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy

Background Mucocutaneous manifestations such as oral candidiasis (OC) and seborrheic dermatitis (SD) are very common HIV-related opportunistic events and are usually initial markers of immunodeficiency. Aim The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in the regression of HIV-associated OC and SD. Methods In a prospective study, 120 HIV-infected patients with OC and SD were divided into two groups: HAART-treated patients (group 1, n = 76) and non-HAART-treated patients (group 2, n = 44). Non-HAART-treated patients were given antimicrobial therapy. Study subjects were matched for sex, age, risk, and stage of HIV infection. The results were analysed by chi(2) test and the Kaplan-Meier method. Results At baseline, OC was evident in 59 (77.7%) of the HAART-treated patients and in 34 (77.3%) of the non-HAART-treated patients, while SD was present in 19 (25.0%) of the HAART-treated patients and in 17 (38.6%) of the non-HAART-treated patients. After a median follow-up period of 22 months, regression of OC and SD occur-red in 49 (83.1%) and 16 (84.2%) of the HAART-treated patients, respectively. In the control group, regression of OC and SD occur-red in only five (14.7%) and seven (41.2%) patients, respectively, during the same period. Conclusions HAART showed greater efficacy than standard antimicrobial therapy for the treatment of OC and SD in HIV-infected patients.