IT generally seems that the social spotlight has moved away from HIV infection and is focused on COVID- 19. While this is understandable, please do not forget AIDS.

Some years ago, HIV surveillance was done among patients seeking attention at the National Dental Centre, now called the Dr Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre. Of those presenting questionable oral signs and changes in the cervical lymph nodes, 52 percent were confirmed as being HIV positive by CAREC in Trinidad.

For some time now, I have been systematically making comparative analyses of the oral lesions I have encountered in persons actually suffering from AIDS. One major reason for these investigations among our population is to establish whether there may be any existing factor about this global plague hitherto not contemplated.

Two aspects of the problem were examined – oral manifestations and transmission. Oral candidiasis, commonly known as thrush, remains the most prominent sign seen in people with AIDS. These appear as white patches on the tongue or lining of the mouth. This condition should be treated early, since it could spread to the trachea (windpipe) and oesophagus (gullet). Besides, if this yeast should enter the bloodstream, the systemic effects would be devastating.

Acute gingivitis, stomatitis (sore mouth), Karposi’s sarcoma and hairy leucoplakia all constitute early manifestations of HIV infection. General signs and symptoms include persistent diarrhoea, itchy skin rashes and chronic cold. Contrary to what is being purported, kissing (the amorous manner) represents an important mode of transmission of AIDS. In fact, this is being publicised on the internet, but like global racism, human society continues to live in denial because of the tremendous consequences of its universal acceptance. Now this is how the act of kissing can transmit the virus that causes AIDS.

Acute gingivitis and periodontal diseases are very common conditions. In fact , it is reported that between 70 and 80 percent of all persons above 18 years old suffer from either disease to some extent. A constant feature is painless bleeding from the granulous tissue found in the gingival pockets, especially elicited by pressure on the gums.

Such bleeding may be evident in the toothpaste, and saliva one spits out during the process of brushing one’s teeth or on sugar cane, after it has been chewed. But this only happens when the condition reaches a significant level. In most people, mild gingivitis goes unnoticed.

Now, amorous kissing in which the tongue and lips are actively involved provides enough stimulus on the gums to cause some degree of bleeding from the inflamed tissues. Therefore, each partner would have a break in the continuity of his or her vascular system.

In other words, there is often the free exchange of blood from one person to the other during kissing episodes of lovers, although obviously in minute amounts.

Clearly, since the AIDS virus is blood-borne, an infected person can easily transmit the virus to someone from his bleeding gums via common saliva in the united mouths of a passionate kiss. So while public notices advocate prevention by means of a condom, no sharing of needles etc., the widespread transmission of AIDS continues through a seemingly harmless route.

Indeed, having one faithful partner at a time should imply not only sexual intercourse, but also include amorous kissing. Whenever it is necessary to use a cup, spoon etc., which had been recently utilised by an AIDS victim, the items should be soaked in ordinary bleach for at least ten (10) minutes. To date, ordinary bleach is the best known destroyer of the virus that causes AIDS.

The National AIDS Programme Secretariat needs to be more vibrant, with an aggressive approach to the problem. Appropriate legislation should be enacted to protect the innocent as exists in other countries. This should include mandatory screening of certain workers. My own view is that governments should at least begin to consider some form of isolation. An aggressive strategy to prohibit prostitution should be urgently implemented. The National Committee should be broader-based to include dentists and other professionals. Meanwhile, knowledge and vigilance continue to be the ideal defence, although the government should complement education with prohibitive laws.