Which type of oral infection is commonly seen in AIDS patients?

In patients with AIDS, the immune system is significantly compromised, making them more susceptible to various infections. One of the most common oral infections in these patients is Candida, which is caused by the overgrowth of Candida species, particularly Candida albicans.

AIDS leads to a decrease in CD4 T-cell counts, which are crucial for maintaining immune responses against fungal infections. When the immune system is weakened, Candida can thrive, resulting in oral thrush, characterized by white patches on the tongue and inside the cheeks. This condition can cause pain, difficulty swallowing, and may reflect more extensive systemic issues in immunocompromised individuals.

Other types of infections such as herpes simplex might occur, but they are typically not as prevalent as Candida infections in advanced stages of AIDS. Staphylococcus aureus is more commonly associated with skin infections or systemic infections rather than oral candidiasis. Dental caries, while possible, are not specifically linked to the immunocompromised state seen in AIDS patients compared to the fungal infections such as Candida. Therefore, Candida represents a hallmark opportunistic infection in the context of AIDS.