Study of mucocutaneous manifestations of HIV and its relation to total lymphocyte count

INTRODUCTION: HIV is associated with various mucocutaneous manifestations which may be the first pointers toward HIV and can also be prognostic markers for disease progression. This study was done to note the different mucocutaneous lesions present in HIV and their relation to total lymphocyte count (TLC). METHODOLOGY: Three hundred and seventy-nine HIV patients attending the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy were included in the study. They were screened for the presence of any mucocutaneous lesions. TLC in patients presenting with mucocutaneous lesions was done and also CD4 count was done wherever possible. RESULTS: Among 379 patients, 53.8% developed mucocutaneous manifestations. Male: female ratio was 2.2:1. Majority of patients belonged to 20–39 years age group. Among mucocutaneous manifestations, oral candidiasis was the most common, followed by herpes zoster and dermatophytoses. Adverse drug reactions were noted in few. The majority of patients had TLC <1500/mm(3) and CD4 <200. CONCLUSION: Mucocutaneous manifestations are common and have varied presentation in HIV/AIDS. Patients with mucocutaneous manifestations were clustered at lower TLC and CD4 count. Like CD4 count, TLC can be considered as a marker for disease progression.