A case of combined herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, and candidal esophagitis in an AIDS patient / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Since the first case of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was reported in Korea in 1985, the number of HIV patients has risen steadily and reached 5,323 in December 2007. Consequently, multiple opportunistic infections have become a significant clinical problem. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are among the most frequent complications of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and cause morbidity in patients with HIV infection. Opportunistic infections are the leading cause of esophageal complaints. Candida albicans is the most frequently identified cause of esophageal symptoms, followed by herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections. Esophageal candidiasis often occurs concurrently with other infectious esophageal disorders. Simultaneous esophageal infection with HSV, CMV, and Candida spp. is rare. We report a case of combined HSV, CMV, and candidal esophagitis in an AIDS patient. He was treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and the appropriate antiviral and antifungal agents.