Final answer:
A sign of HIV periodontitis is severely swollen and inflamed gingival tissue that bleeds easily. This condition is exacerbated in HIV due to the compromised immune system. It is distinct from other oral lesions associated with HIV, such as oral thrush and Kaposi's sarcoma. Therefore, the correct option is D.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the signs of HIV periodontitis is severely swollen and inflamed gingival tissue that bleeds easily. Periodontitis is a progression from gingivitis and is depicted in various stages, where the gums recede and may expose parts of the teeth normally covered. In advanced cases, the infection can spread to bone and ligament tissue, leading to tooth loss. In the context of HIV, periodontal diseases can be more severe due to the immunocompromised state of the patient, making opportunistic infections more likely.
In contrast, swollen or bleeding lymph nodes are more indicative of systemic symptoms of HIV, such as in acute infection stages. Oral thrush, caused by Candida yeast, presents with white lesions in the mouth and throat, while oral hairy leukoplakia is characterized by white patches on the tongue and can also be seen in HIV-infected individuals. Kaposi's sarcoma, another condition associated with HIV, presents with flat, soft, bluish-black lesions on the oral mucosa, but is not a symptom of periodontitis.