Esophageal disease in AIDS is associated with pathologic processes rather than mucosal human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

Twenty-five patients with AIDS and esophageal symptoms were evaluated for the presence of esophageal disease and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in the esophageal mucosa. A single infectious process caused by Candida albicans, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, or Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex or a single noninfectious process caused by Kaposi's sarcoma or reflux esophagitis was identified in 20 patients. Two processes were identified in 5 patients. HIV-1 mRNA was detected by in situ hybridization in mononuclear cells in esophageal lamina propria in 36% of patients. The presence of HIV-1 in the esophageal mucosa was not associated with a specific esophageal symptom, mucosal inflammation or ulceration, Kaposi's sarcoma, specific opportunistic infection, or response of the infection(s) to therapy. Esophageal disease in patients with AIDS appears to be associated with specific pathologic processes rather than the presence of HIV-1 in esophageal mucosa.