Esophageal actinomycosis in a fifty-three-year-old man with HIV: Case report and review of the literature

Patients with advanced HIV infection commonly present with esophageal symptomatology most frequently due to Candida, cytomegalovirus, or herpes simplex virus. We present a case of a 53-year-old man with AIDS and prior esophageal candidiasis and oral aphthous ulcerations, who developed actinomycosis of the esophagus. This article aims to review clinical characteristics of this and seven previously reported cases occurring in HIV-infected patients. Esophageal actinomycosis is frequently preceded by other esophageal disease that likely results in breach of the mucosal barrier, allowing establishment of the infection. Health care providers should be aware of this rare entity, particularly in those with recurring symptoms, so that a timely diagnosis can be made.