[Overview of head and neck clinical features related to HIV/AIDS].

Abstract

HIV infection is characterized by several phases: an acute primary infection, a chronic phase with a progressive decline in CD4+ T lymphocytes, and an advanced disease phase called AIDS. Otorhinolaryngologic conditions affect between 40% and 80% of people living with HIV. Some are specific to AIDS, others are strongly suggestive of HIV infection, and some, though non-specific, are more common in these patients. Recognizing these conditions is crucial to early diagnosis of infection, prompt initiation of antiretroviral therapy, reduction of viral transmission, and prevention of complications. This article explores the diversity of otorhinolaryngologic clinical features seen at different stages of HIV infection.