This is an acute viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus which affects the oral mucosa of HIV infected patients.  It is preceeded by a general malaise, fever and submaxillary adenopathy.  There is a reddening of the mucosa followed by the apparition of multiple vesicles which rupture easily leaving behind very painful ulcerations that later become infected by Candida albicans.  Clinically the patient presents with pain, sialorrhea, halitosis, irritability, insomnia and lack of appetite. In other instances the herpetic infection manifests as recurrent labial herpes.

Copyright 2000.Arthur Nouel-Todos los derechos reservados.