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Introduction: Emergency physicians are trained to treat a variety of ailments in the emergency department (ED), some of which are emergent, while others are not. A common complaint seen in the ED is a sore throat. While most sore throats are easily diagnosed and treated, less common causes are often not considered in the differential diagnoses. Therefore, the purpose of this case study was to present an atypical case of sore throat and discuss differential diagnoses.Case Presentation: The patient was a 45-year-old female who presented to the ED with a three-day history of sore throat that was exacerbated by eating and drinking. The patient was not on any prescription medications, but tried over-the-counter medications for the sore throat without any improvement in symptoms. Review of systems was positive for sore throat, fevers, and chills. Physical examination of her oropharynx revealed mildly dry mucous membranes with confluent plaques and white patchy ulcerative appearance involving the tongue, tonsils, hard palate, and soft palate. Rapid streptococcal antigen, mononucleosis spot test, and KOH test were performed and found to be negative.Discussion: After initial testing was negative, a follow-up complete blood count with differential and complete metabolic profile were ordered. The patient was found to have decreased lymphocytes and platelets. Based upon those results, a diagnosis was made in the ED, the patient was started on medication, and further laboratory workup was ordered to confirm the diagnosis. ED providers should consider non-infectious as well as infectious causes for a sore throat, as this might lead to a diagnosis of an underlying condition.

Objective: To assess the oral shedding and viremia of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in HIV‐positive patients and their relationship with oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL). Methodology: A total of 94 HIV‐positive patients were included in the study, in which blood and saliva samples were collected for EBV quantification. Data on gender, age, time of HIV seropositivity, combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), CD4+ T‐cell counts, and HIV viral load were collected. OHL diagnosis was based on histopathological examination and EBV in situ hybridization. Results: The EBV load in the 94 HIV‐positive patients was higher in saliva than in blood (2.4 and 1.6, respectively), and there was a positive correlation between EBV oral shedding and viremia (p = 0.001). Twenty (21.27%) patients had OHL and also a higher EBV load in saliva (mean log10 = 3.11) compared to those who had no OHL (p = 0.045). Presence of OHL was only associated with age (p = 0.030). Conclusion: In HIV‐positive patients, the presence of OHL was associated with EBV oral shedding but not with viremia, regardless of the amount of circulating CD4+ T cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral white lesions are quite common clinical conditions in clinical dental practice. They can be an expression of different diseases, so it is crucial to achieve a correct diagnosis to start an adequate treatment. However, differential diagnosis is not always easy because the clinical appearance of oral white lesions is often similar and non-pathognomonic. We report on a 42-year-old Caucasian woman who complained of a chronic white patch on the left border of her tongue. A provisional diagnosis of oral hairy leukoplakia was made, but the patient was HIV-negative and not immunocompromised. A patch test was performed to exclude an allergic reaction, which resulted negative. Two large amalgam fillings were removed, and the lesion regressed after two weeks, suggesting a diagnosis of oral lichenoid lesions. Amalgam-associated oral lichenoid lesions could be mistaken for hairy leukoplakia when located on the lateral border of the tongue. Patch tests for dental metal series are only sometimes helpful for a diagnosis of oral lichenoid lesions. Patients should follow a careful follow-up to monitor any neoplastic derailment of the lichenoid lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is an oncogenic human herpesvirus infecting approximately 90% of the world's population. The oral cavity serves a central role in the life cycle, transmission, and pathogenesis of EBV. Transmitted to a new host via saliva, EBV circulates between cellular compartments within oral lymphoid tissues. Epithelial cells primarily support productive viral replication, while B lymphocytes support viral latency and reactivation. EBV infections are typically asymptomatic and benign; however, the latent virus is associated with multiple lymphomas and carcinomas arising in the oral cavity. EBV association with cancer is complex as histologically similar cancers often test negative for the virus. However, the presence of EBV is associated with distinct features in certain cancers. The intrinsic ability of EBV to immortalize B-lymphocytes, via manipulation of survival and growth signaling, further implicates the virus as an oncogenic cofactor. A distinct mutational profile and burden have been observed in EBV-positive compared to EBV-negative tumors, suggesting that viral infection can drive alternative pathways that converge on oncogenesis. Taken together, EBV is also an important prognostic biomarker that can direct alternative therapeutic approaches. Here, we discuss the prevalence of EBV in oral malignancies and the EBV-dependent mechanisms associated with tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveHerpesvirus shedding in the oral cavity was analyzed to determine if presence in the oral compartment correlates with systemic changes in HIV-associated immune deficiency as measured by CD4 cell counts, plasma HIV viral load and presence of AIDS-defining events.DesignA5254 is a multicenter, cross-sectional, single-visit study to evaluate oral complications of HIV/AIDS and determine the association between clinical appearance, herpesvirus shedding, and immune status as ascertained by CD4 cell count and HIV viral load. In total, 307 HIV-infected individuals were evaluated and throat wash collected.MethodsFisher's exact test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to assess the association between presence of herpesviruses and the state of immunodeficiency as stratified by a combination of CD4 cell count and HIV viral load. Relationship between pathogens and HIV viral load in plasma was modeled by logistic regression.ResultsThe presence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus-1 in throat wash was associated with decreased CD4 cell counts. By contrast, Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus and Epstein-Barr virus were similarly detectable across all levels of CD4 cell counts. One unit increase in log10 (HIV viral load) was associated with 1.31 times higher odds of detecting CMV in throat wash when controlling for oral candidiasis, CD4 cell count, and sites (95% confidence interval 1.04-1.65, P = 0.02).ConclusionOral CMV shedding was significantly higher in highly immunocompromised HIV participants. Our finding supports the recommendations to start antiretroviral therapy independent of CD4 cell count as this may have the added benefit to lower the risk of herpesvirus transmission among persons infected with HIV and their partners.

Background: Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) is a benign lesion caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) replication in the oral epithelium affecting the borders of the tongue. It is strongly associated with immunosuppression, especially in HIV+ adults but is uncommon in pediatric population. The aim of the study is to show the importance of the correct diagnosis of OHL and its influence on HIV treatment.We report two cases of HIV+ adolescent patients that presented with leukoplakic lesions on the border of the tongue, suggestive of OHL. OHL diagnosis was confirmed in only one case through EBV in situ hybridization. After confirmation of the diagnosis, the patient with OHL was referred to an infectious disease specialist with the decision to start antiretroviral therapy. Conclusion: OHL definitive diagnosis can help clinical management of pediatric HIV+ patients.

Oral white lesions are quite common clinical conditions in clinical dental practice. They can be an expression of different diseases, so it is crucial to achieve a correct diagnosis to start an adequate treatment. However, differential diagnosis is not always easy because the clinical appearance of oral white lesions is often similar and non-pathognomonic. We report on a 42-year-old Caucasian woman who complained of a chronic white patch on the left border of her tongue. A provisional diagnosis of oral hairy leukoplakia was made, but the patient was HIV-negative and not immunocompromised. A patch test was performed to exclude an allergic reaction, which resulted negative. Two large amalgam fillings were removed, and the lesion regressed after two weeks, suggesting a diagnosis of oral lichenoid lesions. Amalgam-associated oral lichenoid lesions could be mistaken for hairy leukoplakia when located on the lateral border of the tongue. Patch tests for dental metal series are only sometimes helpful for a diagnosis of oral lichenoid lesions. Patients should follow a careful follow-up to monitor any neoplastic derailment of the lichenoid lesions.

Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) is an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) related lesion seen in severely immunocompromised patients especially, those with concomitant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It has been rarely reported in immunocompetent patients. OHL most often presents on the lateral border of the tongue as an asymptomatic, white, and corrugated plaque that does not rub off. With Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, the University of Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology Biopsy Service archives spanning 1994–2020 were queried. All cases of OHL affecting immunocompetent patients were identified. Data related to age, gender, clinical presentation, results of Epstein-Barr virus in situ hybridization (EBER-ISH), and periodic acid–Schiff (PAS)-fungus stains were recorded. Medical history and histology of all cases were reviewed for confirmation of diagnosis. A total of 11 cases were identified, the majority of which were males (63.6%) with a mean age of 62 years. All patients were Caucasian. Lesions entirely were located on the lateral borders of the tongue. OHL should not be considered pathognomonic for HIV infection and should be included in the differential diagnoses of keratotic lesions affecting the lateral border of tongue even in immunocompetent elderly patients. The etiology of OHL in this group of patients is not clearly understood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study evaluated the presence of Epstein-Barr virus type 1 (EBV-1) DNA in patients living with HIV, before and after three different topical therapy protocols for oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL)., Methods: The sample consisted of five patients treated with topical solution of 25% podophyllin resin; six with 25% podophyllin resin plus 5% acyclovir cream; and four with 25% podophyllin resin plus 1% penciclovir cream. DNA was extracted from OHL scrapings and amplified by the PCR using specific primers for EBV-1 (EBNA-1)., Results: Clinical healing of OHL lesions was observed across all treatment groups over time. At baseline, EBNA-1 was detected in all OHL lesions. After treatment, OHL samples from three patients treated with 25% podophyllin resin plus 5% acyclovir cream and from one patient treated with 25% podophyllin resin plus 1% penciclovir cream exhibited negative EBNA-1 viral gene encoding. Despite the clinical resolution of OHL, 11 patients (73.3%) showed EBNA-1 positivity immediately after the lesion disappeared. Three patients (20%) treated with podophyllin resin displayed both EBNA-1 positivity and a recurrence of OHL, in contrast to no recurrence in the other two groups., Conclusions: These findings suggest potential associations between treatment formulations, EBNA-1 persistence, and the recurrence of OHL lesions., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: Because of reduced mortality, patients with HIV are living longer and presenting with chronic diseases. Little is known about racial differences in dermatologic conditions associated with HIV infection.Objective: This study examines associated dermatologic conditions in a large population of patients with HIV at a tertiary care center with a diverse patient population.Methods: Cross-sectional study of patients with HIV seen between July 14, 2013, and July 14, 2018, in a tertiary health care system. The burden of HIV-related dermatologic conditions was collected by using medical records. Patients with HIV were compared with control individuals of the same race, and significance was assessed using the chi-square test. A Bonferroni correction was performed to control for multiple hypothesis testing.Results: The study population (N = 4679) was 64.7% male and 69% African American, with 88.7% of patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. African American patients with HIV had a greater risk of oral hairy leukoplakia (odds ratio [OR], 64.49), herpes zoster (OR, 9.27), prurigo nodularis (OR, 8.80), and squamous cell carcinoma (OR, 5.72).Limitations: Our data describe patients seen by 1 health care system.Conclusions: African American patients with HIV may be at increased risk for pruritic disorders compared with race-matched control individuals and white patients with HIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral hairy leukoplakia is defined as an asymptomatic white patch with vertical corrugation pattern on the lateral borders of the tongue, that is associated with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection. Generally, it is related to immunosuppressive condition found in HIV-positive patients and patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. Sometimes, its clinical appearances could mimic other white lesions. Although most OHL cases are found in HIV seropositive individuals, finding in the immunocompetent individuals has also been reported. Appropriate clinical evaluations and laboratory investigations are important for patient’s comprehensive management. Objective: To report a finding of oral hairy leukoplakia as a clinical indicator of an immunosuppressive condition in otherwise a clinically healthy-looking individual and to discuss the challenges on patient management. Case Report: A 40 year-old man presented with asymptomatic, bilateral and homogenous white hyperkeratotic plaques with a hairy appearance located on the dorsal of the tongue, extended to the lateral tongue mucosa. The patient failed to remember the lesion’s first appearance, until three weeks before a visit. Working diagnosis of oral hairy leukoplakia was made with differential diagnoses including white sponge nevus, leukoplakia and oral lichen planus. Histopathological assessment was consistent with oral hairy leukoplakia, without the presence of epithelial dysplastic changes. Challenges on patient management include identifying possible risk factors and assuring patient for HIV testing. Conclusion: This case reported findings of OHL as the first clinical indicator of immunosuppressive condition that might be related to HIV-infection. The differential diagnoses and challenges in patient’s management were also discussed.Keywords: oral hairy leukoplakia, clinical indicator, challenges on management

Background: Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) is an asymptomatic white plaque with vertical corrugations most commonly found on the lateral borders of the tongue. It is caused by local infection of Epstein- Barr Virus (EBV). OHL is usually associated with immunocompromised condition, and mainly described in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Purpose: to report a case of oral hairy leukoplakia in an HIV patient that is often misdiagnosed as oral candidasis. Case: A 44-years old female came to the Dermato-Venereology Outpatient Clinic of Dr. Soetomo General Hospital Surabaya with complaint of persistent asymptomatic whitish color on both borders of her tongue. History taking revealed that at first the whitish color appeared spreading on the tongue, but after taking antifungal treatment, only the lesion on the borders still persisted, all attempts to scrub off the lesion failed. There were also history of diarrhea, fever and cough for almost 1 month. Further examination of HIV antibody 3 method tests revealed reactive result with CD4+ count of 1 cel/uL. Physical examination revealed bilateral painless white well demarcated plaque with “hairy” like corrugated appearance on the lateral borders of the tongue. Discussion: From history, clinical findings, and the reactive HIV antibody examination, the patient was diagnosed with AIDS with oral hairy leukoplakia. The patient was treated with acyclovir 200 mg, 5 times daily. After 2 weeks of treatment, clearance was achieved. Conclusion: The establishment of OHL which oftenly mistaken as oral candidiasis has a diagnostic value for HIV infection. Systemic antiviral institution and antiretroviral (ARV) medications as prevention for recurrence gave satisfying result. Key words: oral hairy leukoplakia, HIV, acyclovir.

We present three cases of oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) in whom the diagnosis was established by EBV DNA detection in whole saliva. Three HIV‐infected patients came to the Oral Medicine Clinic with similar chief complaints of asymptomatic white lesions on the tongue. All patients were diagnosed with suspected OHL and oral thrush also in the first patient. A multiplex PCR DNA microarray was performed to detect EBV DNA in saliva collected by spitting method. All saliva samples showed positive results for EBV DNA, and the definitive diagnosis of OHL was made. Resolution of lesions was found at 1‐ to 2‐month follow‐up after treatment with application of acyclovir 5% cream 5 times daily. Additionally, anti‐fungal treatment was given to the first patient and anti‐retroviral treatment to the first and second patients. EBV is mostly transmitted by asymptomatic shedding into saliva. Therefore, the detection of salivary EBV DNA is useful in establishing a definitive diagnosis of OHL allowing more effective treatment for both HIV‐infected patients receiving ART and treatment‐naïve patients at any CD4 + count. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of atypical oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) in a 9‐year‐old immunocompetent girl treated with fluticasone propionate nasal spray for allergic rhinitis. The OHL in childhood is uncommon and should be included in a differential diagnosis of white lesions in the oral mucosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indonesian pediatric population infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has increased drastically in recent years. The number of new infection among infants and children (< 4 years) multiplied in 2010-2016. However, since healthcare and laboratory facilities are scare to many areas in the country, many children living with HIV are still left undiagnosed and unaware of their status. Oral Hairy Leukoplakia (OHL) as HIV-associated oral manifestation can be a useful marker in making presumptive diagnosis and prediction of the course of HIV. However, Indonesian study on OHL in pediatric HIV-infected population is still lacking, thus the study aim was to evaluate the correlation of OHL based on the use of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) and immunosuppression degree among HIV-infected Indonesian pediatric patient. HIV-infected pediatric patients attending the outpatient clinic, Intermediate Care and Infectious Disease Centre (UPIPI), Dr. Soetomo Hospital between June-October 2017 were examined intraorally for the presence of OHL. Other relevant data were collected from interview to parents/guardians and patients’ medical records for further analysis. Four (14.29%) patients showed to have OHL at examination and were severely immunosuppressed (mean CD4 counts= 74cells/mm³). Statistical analysis using chi-square test confirms a significant correlation between OHL and HAART (P=0.027 P<0.05). Correlation between OHL and degree of immunosuppression have very significant correlation (P =0.003 P<0.01). The presence of OHL may indicate a high probability that infected children are in declining CD4+ counts to AIDS or experiencing treatment failure. Through immediate follow up, mortality can be prevented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and usually presents in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and systemic immunosuppression. It is rarely seen in patients who are immunocompetent. It is clinically characterised as an asymptomatic, soft, white and corrugated lesion that cannot be scraped from the surface it adheres to.Methods: Immunocompetent patients with OHL attending Bristol Dental Hospital within the last 6 months were identified. EBV infection was demonstrated using EBV in situ hybridization. Clinical features and medical history were determined by reviewing medical records.Case report: Four cases of OHL in immunocompetent individuals were identified. All lesions were located on the lateral borders of the tongue.Discussion: OHL should be considered as a differential diagnosis for white patches on the lateral borders of the tongue in apparently healthy immunocompetent patients, even when they do not have a typical corrugated appearance. OHL should no longer be regarded as pathognomonic for HIV infection or systemic immunosuppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral hairy leukoplakia was reported in 1984 for the first time. It is caused by the Epstein Barr Virus, and it is an early indicator of an immune deficiency status. This lesion is usually asymptomatic and it is common in people with HIV infection. For all HIV patients, a comprehensive periodontal and dental treatment should be done because oral tissues may reflect immune deficiency status. And nearly all HIV-infected individuals develop oral lesions at some time during their illness. checkups allow detecting any potential problems that may not even be aware of it. So, detailed history and clinical examination can allow the dentist to diagnose a life-threatening disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) is a white, hyperplastic, vertically corrugated lesion that occurs on the lateral border of the tongue, usually unilateral. Caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), the lesion is said to be an early indicator of an immune deficiency status, thereby unmasking subclinical systemic conditions. OHL mimics many other white lesions of the oral cavity; therefore, it becomes imperative to identify the lesion. This study used exfoliative cytology, a noninvasive procedure, which helped in identifying the cellular changes brought about by the virus in the oral epithelium. The study revealed a subclinical phase of OHL, where the cellular changes were seen even before the appearance of the clinical lesion.

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the etiological agent of oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL), an oral lesion with important diagnostic and prognostic value in acquired immunodeficiency disease syndrome. The two EBV genotypes, EBV-1 and EBV-2, can be distinguished by divergent gene sequences encoding the EBNA-2, 3A, 3B, and 3C proteins. The purpose of this study was to identify the EBV genotype prevalent in 53 samples of scrapings from the lateral border of the tongue of HIV-1 seropositive patients, with and without OHL, and to correlate the genotypes with presence of clinical or subclinical OHL with the clinic data collected. EBV-1 and EBV-2 were identified through PCR and Nested-PCR based on sequence differences of the EBNA-2 gene. EBV-1 was identified in the 31 samples (15 without OHL, 7 with clinical OHL and 9 with subclinical OHL), EBV-2 in 12 samples (10 without OHL, 1 with clinical and 1 subclinical OHL), and a mixed infection in 10 samples (2 without OHL, 3 with clinical and 5 with subclinical OHL). The presence of EBV-1 was higher in women, but a significant statistical result relating one the EBV genotypes to the development of OHL was not found. We conclude that the oral epithelium in HIV-1 seropositive patients can be infected by EBV-1, EBV-2 or by a mixed viral population.