Establishes the framework for a standardized approach to the epidemiological study of oral conditions associated with HIV infection. Noting that oral lesions are among the first symptoms of both infection with HIV and progression to AIDS, the guide responds to the need to facilitate data collection and comparisons through use of standardized terminology, standardized diagnostic criteria and procedures for clinical examination, and standardized methods for the analysis and reporting of data. In presenting such a framework, the authors aim to encourage the comparison of findings from different studies and different populations, while also making oral health status an integral part of optimum case management and of surveillance activities. The guide is addressed to established epidemiologists with an interest in HIV-associated oral conditions as well as to oral health practitioners who lack specialized knowledge of epidemiology. The guide has five main sections. The first provides background information about HIV infection and AIDS, emphasizing the role that epidemiological studies of oral manifestations can play in improving the understanding and control of this disease. A brief introduction to the principles of epidemiology is also provided, together with an explanation of key terms. The second and most extensive section provides a guide to the design of epidemiological studies, including advice on the establishment of objectives, the selection of appropriate study populations, and the determination of sample size. To facilitate consistent diagnosis and reporting, the guide sets out concise clinical diagnostic criteria for each of the most common HIV-associated fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases, idiopathic conditions, and neoplasms having oral manifestations. Cases where specific tests are needed to confirm diagnosis are clearly indicated. The book also defines standard clinical procedures for the examination of the oral cavity and lips. The remaining sections provide examples of data analysis and layout, and discuss the format of study reports. The guide concludes with brief definitions of common epidemiological terms.