Article: Short Bites – HIV and Oral Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

By: Mark Schweizer, DDS MPH
Director of Development and Special Projects
Dental Director Southeastern AIDS Training and Education Center
Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine
[email protected]

HIV-infected individuals are living longer due to effective antiretroviral therapy and may therefore have a greater opportunity to develop HPV associated malignancies. Oral HPV infection is commonly detected in HIV-infected individuals and is elevated among those with a higher number of lifetime oral sexual partners, current tobacco use, and immunosuppression. Several cross-sectional studies have observed that HIV-infected individuals have a 2-3 fold higher odds of prevalent oral HPV infection compared to HIV-uninfected individuals, even after adjustment for sexual behavior and other relevant factors. HPV16, which causes more than 80% of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers, is the most commonly detected oral HPV type in HIV-infected individuals. HPV is easily spread from one individual to another so early diagnosis by regular dental visits and treatment is important.

For Additional Questions or Dental Consultation contact Dr. Schweizer at [email protected]