Elsevier

Clinics in Dermatology

Volume 22, Issue 6, November–December 2004, Pages 520-527
Clinics in Dermatology

Original article
Oral manifestations of sexually transmitted diseases

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2004.07.005Get rights and content

Abstract

Sexually transmitted diseases frequently affect the mucous membranes producing characteristic and potentially diagnostic lesions on the oral mucosa. This article reviews the classic route of transmission and the corresponding clinical presentation of several of the sexually transmitted viruses, including herpes virus types I and II, Epstein Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, human papilloma virus, molluscum contagiosum, as well as the human immunodeficiency virus. Bacterial infections such as syphilis, gonorrhea, as well as the fungus candida are reviewed under the umbrella of STDs with potential oral involvement encountered in the sexually active patient.

Section snippets

DNA viruses

The human herpesvirus (HHV) is commonly associated with oral disease. It is a double-stranded DNA virus (Table 1). 3

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum and is the prototypic STD manifesting oral signs. The incidence of syphilis has declined dramatically since the introduction of penicillin; however, since the 1980s, there has been a resurgence of this disease, largely attributable to concurrent HIV infection and an increasingly iatrogenically immunosuppressed population. Most cases of syphilis occur in young adults, and characteristically, syphilis is

Candidosis

Vulvovaginal candidosis is common, particularly amongst young women, and is usually due to Candida albicans. Genital candidosis (thrush) is more frequent in females but may be transmitted by sexual contact to males. Oral thrush may result through sexual contact, particularly during oral sexual intercourse (Fig 9). Certain patients may be predisposed to the development of oral thrush, such as patients who are immunocompromised, those with diabetes mellitus, or pernicious anemia. In addition,

Conclusions

The mucous membranes of the oral cavity are vulnerable to direct inoculation of many sexually transmitted infections. Identification of the subsequent and often characteristic clinical signs in the mouth enables early diagnosis and treatment. Examination of the oral cavity is an integral part of the evaluation of any patient suspected of harboring an STD.

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