Noma: a reappraisal in Western countries - are HIV-negative immunocompetent adult patients safe?

We present 3 cases of Noma occurred in HIV-negative immunocompetent Caucasian women in different clinical conditions, affected by some degree of malnutrition and poor oral health status. Each of these patients presented with an oral ulcer, characterized by non-specific histology and microbiological culture. Diagnosis of Noma was based on clinical findings and a proper therapy was undertaken. Antibiotic and antifungal therapy was combined with the use of nasogastric nutrition, oral hygiene measures and wound healing treatment. The lesions healed, and clinical conditions improved in all the patients. No recurrence was observed during follow-up period.