Type I Herpes Simplex Esophagitis with Concomitant Esophageal Moniliasis

Abstract

Candida albicans and herpes simplex, type 1 virus (HSV-1) are well-known opportunistic infectious agents, both of which cause ulcerative esophagitis. We present a diabetic patient with self-limited ulcerative esophagitis who had histologic findings of concomitant HSV-1 and monilial infection. We also review the clinical features and appropriate diagnostic tests. We believe HSV-1 esophagitis may be more common in diabetic persons than previously appreciated, but may be underdiagnosed because the physician is unaware of the entity or delays in obtaining tissue culture or serial viral titers.