Candida spp. In linear gingival erythema lesions in HIV- infeceted children: reports of six cases

Resumo

Linear gingival erythema (LGE), formally referred as HIV-gingivitis, is the most common form of HIV-associated periodontal disease in HIV-infection. These lesions were recently evaluated as a possible form of erythematous oral candidosis, mainly caused by Candida albicans. Other species are also being associated such as C. tropicalis, C. stellatoidea, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata and C. dubliniensis, that was identified in some HIV-infected subjects. This case report demonstrates the presence of typical LGE lesions in six HIV-infected children, also investigates the etiologic agent by microbiological exams and correlates this oral manifestation with patients’ systemic conditions. Microbiological analyses showed positive growth for Candida spp in all patients, all of whom had severe imunessupression. After antifungal medication, the regression of lesions could be note. The presence of LGE in pediatric patients with AIDS may indicate its feature as a predictive marker in progression of HIV-infection in children.