Gingival and other oral manifestations in measles virus infection.

Abstract Background: Measles is a highly contagious, viral infectious disease affecting mainly children and young adults. It is characterized by high fever, maculopapular rash, keratoconjunctivitis and pathognomonic oral Koplik's spots. Methods: During an outbreak of measles among soldiers in the Israeli military, patients were referred to one medical center where they were also examined for oral signs and symptoms of their illness. Results: We present a case of measles infection with distinct oral findings. These included Koplik's spots, various forms of ulcerations of the free mucosa, -like gingivitis and pericoronitis. All oral lesions resolved after cessation of systemic illness. Conclusions: The measles virus is associated with a transient inhibition of the host response. Immunosuppression may create the necessary condition for the proliferation of pathobacteria associated with the observed pericoronitis and the other gingival lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]