Towards Strengthening HIV Case Detection and Management: A Review of The Role of Oral Healthcare and Enhanced Laboratory Diagnostics

Abstract

An estimated 84.2 million people have suffered the disease since its discovery. Although the number of new cases decreased by 32% since 2010, it is most prevalent in Africa 68% [25.7 million], resulting in approximately 470,000 AIDS-related deaths with Nigeria having the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the region and the second highest globally. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have emerged as indispensable tools for point-of-care testing, providing quick results with minimal infrastructure requirements. Dentists play a critical role in the early detection of HIV, as they are in a unique position to identify oral manifestations associated with the infection. The oral cavity is frequently the first site where symptoms of HIV appear, often even before individuals are aware of their serostatus. Dentists have a responsibility to be aware of the oral manifestations of HIV and to consider HIV infection in the differential diagnosis of these conditions. Additionally, dentists can play a proactive role in HIV screening by offering rapid HIV testing services in their dental. With recent findings demonstrating the high transmissibility of HIV early in infection, and the potential benefit of early initiation of treatment, it is essential to identify as many infected individuals as possible. HIV testing is the key part of diagnosis and prevention efforts hence the need for synergy between oral health practitioners and laboratory diagnostic experts in bridging the gap of diagnosis and prevention among healthcare professionals.