This HIV-positive patient presented with signs of oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) on the lateral border of his tongue. Being that HIV reduces immunologic activity, the intraoral environment is a prime target for chronic secondary infections and inflammatory processes, including OHL, which is due to the Epstein-Barr virus under such immunosuppressed conditions.

Content Providers(s): CDC/ Sol Silverman, Jr., D.D.S., University of California, San Francisco

Retroviridae Infections, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral

Picture & text from CDC/PHIL. For more information see Oral Disease in AIDS / HIV Pictures from CDC