Esophageal candidiasis associated with acute infection due to human immunodeficiency virus: case report and review

Abstract

Esophageal candidiasis, an opportunistic infection that generally occurs in the latest phases of infection due to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is currently a diagnostic criterion for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). We recently treated one patient for esophageal candidiasis associated not with AIDS but with acute HIV infection. At follow-up 19 months later, he was well and had no symptoms related to infection with HIV. We reviewed nine previously reported cases of esophageal candidiasis associated with acute HIV infection. None of the patients involved had other predisposing illnesses or risk factors for candidiasis. The case described herein, together with those reviewed, supports a revision of the Centers for Disease Control's clinical definition of primary HIV infection to include esophageal candidiasis in the clinical spectrum. Moreover, the value of esophageal candidiasis as a diagnostic criterion for AIDS should be reassessed.