Sriwijaya Journal of Dentistry
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026): Sriwijaya Journal of Dentistry

A Two-Case Series of Oral Candidiasis as an Opportunistic Infection in HIV Patients

Reshaina Dewi Azizah Zahratuljannah (Dental Profession Student, Faculty of Medicine, Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, Indonesia)
Embun Khaerunnisa (Dental Profession Student, Faculty of Medicine, Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, Indonesia)
Nanditya Maharani (Dental Profession Student, Faculty of Medicine, Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, Indonesia)
Gede Perdana Putera (Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, Indonesia)
Heppy Oktavianto (Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, Indonesia)
Pratiwi Nur Widyaningsih (Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
26 Jun 2026

Abstract

Background: Oral candidiasis remains one of the most common opportunistic infections in people living with HIV (PLHIV), particularly in patients with impaired cellular immunity. Pseudomembranous candidiasis is clinically relevant because it may indicate immune deterioration, low CD4+ T-cell count, or advanced HIV disease. Case Presentation: This case series describes two HIV-positive male patients who presented with extensive pseudomembranous oral candidiasis. The first patient was a 30-year-old male with known HIV infection and concomitant Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia. Intraoral examination showed removable whitish-yellow plaques on the tongue, vestibular mucosa, and lips, with an erythematous base after removal. His CD4+ T-cell count was 258 cells/μL. Antiretroviral therapy was initiated during hospitalization, followed by antifungal treatment using nystatin oral drops, ketoconazole, and adjunctive antiseptic mouthwash. The second patient was a 35-year-old ART-naïve male with systemic symptoms and widespread removable pseudomembranous plaques involving the tongue, buccal mucosa, gingiva, and palate. His CD4+ T-cell count was 11 cells/μL, indicating profound immunosuppression. Conclusion: Pseudomembranous oral candidiasis may serve as an important clinical marker of CD4+ T-cell depletion and immune deterioration in PLHIV. Dentists should recognize this lesion early because oral findings may support timely referral, HIV disease assessment, and comprehensive management.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

sjd

Publisher

Subject

Dentistry Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Materials Science & Nanotechnology Public Health

Description

The aim of this journal is to become the media for publishing original articles, case reports and latest literature reviews in dentistry and its related fields, with the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach. This include: Cariology Conservative Dentistry Dental Biomaterial Esthetic ...