Cariogenic potential of Candida species in HIV-positive children

Oral manifestations have been reported as the first indicators of HIV infection and are directly related to the degree of immunosuppression in the patient. In addition oral manifestations may also be associated with medication use and poor oral hygiene habits. Due to the importance of controlling caries in HIV-infected children and the possible contributory involvement of Candida in the carious process this study proposes to analyze the colonization of Candida spp. in the supragingival biofilm of HIV-infected children as well as to analyze in vitro the potential for demineralization of these yeasts in dental enamel.