Invasive mycotic and actinomycotic oropharyngeal and craniofacial infection in two patients with AIDS.

Two cases of invasive oropharyngeal and craniofacial infection caused by fungal and actinomycotic pathogens are described in HIV-infected patients. Two women with a previous diagnosis of AIDS, one with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and one with Candida oesophagitis, developed a subacute, invasive inflammatory process characterized by ulcerative necrotizing lesions spreading from the oropharynx up to the soft and hard palate, maxillary sinuses and nasal cavity, with extensive soft-tissue necrosis. Although presenting with a very similar clinical picture, infection was due to Actinomyces spp. in the first case, while an apparent dual fungal aetiology (Aspergillus flavus and Candida spp.) was demonstrated in the second patient. Both cases were characterized by remarkable diagnostic difficulties leading to a late final recognition (confirmed by histological examination), and by a partial response to antimicrobial treatment.