This study demonstrates a strong association between the occurrence of oro-facial lesions and HIV-1 seropositivity in a group of patients in Dar es Salaam. Among the different oro-facial lesions Kaposi's sarcoma seems to be the most frequent and the most important pathognomonic feature. Since some of the lesions occur fairly early in HIV infection, a through and systematic examination of the oro-facial region may provide an early clue for HIV infection.