Australian Dental Council (ADC) Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Oral hairy leukoplakia is primarily associated with the HIV virus and is most commonly seen on the lateral side of the tongue. This condition occurs as a manifestation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation in immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with HIV.

The lateral borders of the tongue provide a specific area where these white lesions can appear, which are characterized by their "hairy" appearance due to the hyperkeratosis of the epithelium. The clinical presentation is often a result of the individual's compromised immune system, allowing opportunistic infections and reactivations of latent viruses to occur.

Understanding the context of this condition is important as it highlights the necessary link between an individual's immune status and the oral manifestations that can arise, particularly in patients with HIV. This knowledge can guide dental teams in identifying potential systemic health issues through oral examinations.