Highly increased numbers of leukocytes in inflamed gingiva from patients with HIV infection

Abstract

HIV infection is associated with increased numbers of mast cells, macrophages and neutrophils in the chronic periodontal lesion. This may predispose for tissue destruction through the release of inflammatory mediators and effector molecules. The unusually heavy cell infiltrate throughout the gingival connective tissue may contribute to the diverging pattern of periodontal tissue loss in HIV-positive patients.