A Review: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Advances including Oral Health Tuberculosis and HIV Co-Infection

AbstractTuberculosis (TB) and HIV co-infection remains a major global health challenge, with each infection worsening immune suppression and complicating diagnosis and treatment. Early detection and integrated care are essential, and oral health plays a pivotal role in this process. Oral manifestations are often early indicators of systemic disease progression in TB HIV patients. TB-related oral lesions such as ulcers, granulomas, and lymph adenopathy may appear even in the absence of pulmonary symptoms, while HIV-related conditions including candidiasis, hairy leukoplakia, periodontal diseases, xerostomia, and Kaposi's sarcoma are highly prevalent due to compromised immunity. Co-infection intensifies oral inflammation, impairs nutrition, affects speech and swallowing, and significantly reduces quality of life.Strengthening oral examinations, incorporating dental professionals into multi disciplinary teams, and improving access to diagnostic and preventive oral care can enhance early case identification, support treatment outcomes, and reduce morbidity among affected populations.