Chronic oral herpes simplex virus infection in immunocompromised patients.

Recurrent herpes simplex virus infection is usually benign and self-limiting, but in immunosuppressed patients it can be a chronic destructive process. Eight patients with chronic aggressive herpes simplex virus infection of the oral mucosa are described. All cases occurred in immunocompromised patients. The distinctive clinical presentation of the oral lesions, the diagnosis, and treatment are discussed.