Oropharyngeal candidosis caused by Candida spp. is a common opportunistic infection and a frequent recurrence in individuals with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between CD4+ T-cell counts in Vietnamese patients with HIV/AIDS and the status of Candida spp. infections in the oral cavity. Methods: We isolated and identified fungi from oral swab samples of 152 HIV-positive patients receiving outpatient treatment at regional health centers in Southern Vietnam from December 2023 to December 2024. CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts were determined using flow cytometry. Results: The prevalence of Candida spp. infection was 57.89%, with Candida albicans being the most common species (50%). Among the patients, 53.94% had CD4+ T-cell counts ≥300 cells/mm³, while 46.06% had counts <300 cells/mm³. The duration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) ranged from 31 to 90 days, which represented the highest proportion at 36.84%. No significant correlation was found between Candida spp. infection and ART duration (p = 0.819) or CD4+ levels (p = 0.080). However, the presence of C. albicans was significantly associated with patients having CD4+ T-cell counts <300 cells/mm³ (p = 0.029). Conclusion: The risk of C. albicans infection is 3.6 times higher in Vietnamese HIV/AIDS patients with CD4+ T-cell counts <300 cells/mm³ compared to those with counts ≥300. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring CD4+ T-cell levels in managing opportunistic infections in this population.

Oropharyngeal Candidosis, Candida Albicans, HIV/AIDS, T-CD4