II. Epidemiology
- Dysphagia or odynophagia occurs in 40-50% HIV patients
III. Causes
- Candida most frequent pathogen (50-70% of cases)
- Viral (30% of cases)
- Herpes Simplex Virus
- Cytomegalovirus Infection
- Polymicrobial: 20-25% cases
- Aphthous Ulcer or pill-induced ulcers (less frequent)
IV. Signs
- Mucosal Plaques, erosions or ulcerations
- External compression from nodes or masses
- Oral Thrush
- Indicator (70-80%) for esophageal involvement
- Oral Thrush seen in 62% of Esophageal Candidiasis
V. Diagnosis: Endoscopy
- Biopsy and brushings
- Culture for virus, Mycobacterium, and fungus
VI. Management
- Anti-Candida treatment can be tried
- Failure to respond in 24-48 hours requires endoscopy