The association of angular cheilitis and HIV patients

Angular cheilitis (AC), an inflammatory condition affecting the corners of the mouth, is commonly observed in HIV-positive populations and has potential as a clinical marker of immune suppression. This scoping review systematically examined studies to assess the association between AC HIV-positive individuals, with a particular focus on CD4+ cell counts and viral loads. A literature search across PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar identified relevant studies, emphasizing the clinical characteristics, prevalence, and immunological indicators associated with AC. Findings indicate that AC prevalence increases as CD4+ counts decline, suggesting its utility as an early marker of HIV progression. The data also reveal a high co-occurrence of AC with oral candidiasis, further supporting its association with advanced immunosuppression. Statistical analyses from reviewed studies demonstrated significant correlations between low CD4+ levels and increased risk of AC, reinforcing the potential of AC as a diagnostic cue for immune decline. This review highlights AC as a non-invasive and cost-effective marker that could support early diagnosis and intervention in resource-limited settings, thereby improving HIV management outcomes.