Towards Strengthening HIV Case Detection and Management: A Review of The Role of Oral Healthcare and Enhanced Laboratory Diagnostics

Promise Udohchukwu Okereke (BDS); Chukwuma Franklin  Ozioma; Obumneme Wisdom  Okereke (BDS); Emmanuel  Elebesunu (BMLS); Babatunde Ismail  Bale (DOpt); Chimeremeze  Offurum (BDS); Immanuel  Azubuike (BMLS); Ogechi Grace  Okoli (MBBS); Obinna  Ikegwuonu; Anthony Chukwuebuka  Okeke (MBBS); Obidike Ezije  Chidiogo (BDS); Mmesoma  F. Umeh (B.Pharm); Chukwuemeka Victor  Umeh; Perfectus  C. Obodo (BDS)

doi:10.55640/ijmsdh-12-04-03

Open Access

Towards Strengthening HIV Case Detection and Management: A Review of The Role of Oral Healthcare and Enhanced Laboratory Diagnostics

Vol. 12 No. 04 (2026): Volume 12 Issue 04 | Pages: 11-16 | https://doi.org/10.55640/ijmsdh-12-04-03

Authors

Promise Udohchukwu Okereke (BDS)
Faculty of Dentistry, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria YOHAN Research Institute Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders (AOHAB), New York, USA

Chukwuma Franklin Ozioma
Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Nigeria

Obumneme Wisdom Okereke (BDS)
Faculty of Dentistry, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders (AOHAB), New York, USA

Emmanuel Elebesunu (BMLS)
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria.

Babatunde Ismail Bale (DOpt)
Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo, Nigeria

Chimeremeze Offurum (BDS)
Faculty of Dentistry, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria

Immanuel Azubuike (BMLS)
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science and Technology, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria.

Ogechi Grace Okoli (MBBS)
University of Jos, Plateau, Nigeria Pan OJ Clinic, Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria

Obinna Ikegwuonu
Surgery Interest Group of Africa

Anthony Chukwuebuka Okeke (MBBS)
Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi

Obidike Ezije Chidiogo (BDS)
Faculty of Dentistry, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria Zoom36 Dental Clinic Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria

Mmesoma F. Umeh (B.Pharm)
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria

Chukwuemeka Victor Umeh
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK

Perfectus C. Obodo (BDS)
Faculty of Dentistry, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Ideal Dental Services Limited

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Published Date: 2026-04-06
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Copyright (c) 2026 Promise Udohchukwu Okereke (BDS) , Chukwuma Franklin Ozioma, Mmesoma F. Umeh (B.Pharm), Obidike Ezije Chidiogo (BDS), Anthony Chukwuebuka Okeke (MBBS), Obinna Ikegwuonu, Ogechi Grace Okoli (MBBS), Immanuel Azubuike (BMLS), Chimeremeze Offurum (BDS), Babatunde Ismail Bale (DOpt), Emmanuel Elebesunu (BMLS), Obumneme Wisdom Okereke (BDS), Chukwuemeka Victor Umeh, Perfectus C. Obodo (BDS)

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Okereke (BDS) , P. U., Ozioma, C. F. ., Okereke (BDS), O. W. ., Elebesunu (BMLS), E. ., Bale (DOpt), B. I. ., Offurum (BDS), C. ., Azubuike (BMLS), I. ., Okoli (MBBS), O. G. ., Ikegwuonu, O. ., Okeke (MBBS), A. C. ., Chidiogo (BDS), O. E. ., F. Umeh (B.Pharm), M. ., Umeh, C. V. ., & C. Obodo (BDS), P. . (2026). Towards Strengthening HIV Case Detection and Management: A Review of The Role of Oral Healthcare and Enhanced Laboratory Diagnostics. International Journal of Medical Science and Dental Health, 12(04), 11-16. https://doi.org/10.55640/ijmsdh-12-04-03

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Abstract

An estimated 84.2 million people have suffered the disease since its discovery. Although the number of new cases decreased by 32% since 2010, it is most prevalent in Africa 68% [25.7 million], resulting in approximately 470,000 AIDS-related deaths with Nigeria having the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the region and the second highest globally. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have emerged as indispensable tools for point-of-care testing, providing quick results with minimal infrastructure requirements.

Dentists play a critical role in the early detection of HIV, as they are in a unique position to identify oral manifestations associated with the infection. The oral cavity is frequently the first site where symptoms of HIV appear, often even before individuals are aware of their serostatus. Dentists have a responsibility to be aware of the oral manifestations of HIV and to consider HIV infection in the differential diagnosis of these conditions. Additionally, dentists can play a proactive role in HIV screening by offering rapid HIV testing services in their dental.

With recent findings demonstrating the high transmissibility of HIV early in infection, and the potential benefit of early initiation of treatment, it is essential to identify as many infected individuals as possible. HIV testing is the key part of diagnosis and prevention efforts hence the need for synergy between oral health practitioners and laboratory diagnostic experts in bridging the gap of diagnosis and prevention among healthcare professionals.

Keywords:

Dentist, Detection, Diagnostics, Eradication, HIV, Laboratory

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International Journal of Medical Science and Dental Health

eISSN : 2454-4191

Open Access

Towards Strengthening HIV Case Detection and Management: A Review of The Role of Oral Healthcare and Enhanced Laboratory Diagnostics

Authors

Promise Udohchukwu Okereke (BDS)

Chukwuma Franklin Ozioma

Obumneme Wisdom Okereke (BDS)

Emmanuel Elebesunu (BMLS)

Babatunde Ismail Bale (DOpt)

Chimeremeze Offurum (BDS)

Immanuel Azubuike (BMLS)

Ogechi Grace Okoli (MBBS)

Obinna Ikegwuonu

Anthony Chukwuebuka Okeke (MBBS)

Obidike Ezije Chidiogo (BDS)

Mmesoma F. Umeh (B.Pharm)

Chukwuemeka Victor Umeh

Perfectus C. Obodo (BDS)

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