Pathogen:
Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) has been associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The clinical significance of OHL in otherwise healthy, asymptomatic individuals is that it can be an early manifestation of HIV infection. One report (Torres et al.) suggested that the incidence of OHL is significantly higher for males than for females.
Sites of Infection:
While lesions usually appear on the lateral borders of the tongue but can also appear on the buccal and labial mucosae. The lesions of HL are corrugated or have a shaggy or "hairy" appearance.
Diagnosis:
Treatment Results:
REFERENCES:
Lozada-Nur F et al. Podophyllin resin 25% for treatment of oral hairy leukoplakia: an old treatment for a new lesion. J AIDS 4(5): 543-546, 1991.
Torres R et al. Oral lesions in patients with HIV infection enrolled in CPCRA trials. Abstract PBO 165, X Intl Conf AIDS, Japan, 1994.
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