Detection of human immunodeficiency virus-1 by 35S-RNA in situ hybridization in solitary esophageal ulcers in two patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Esophageal disease frequently complicates the course of the acquire immune deficiency syndrome. In two patients with unusual refractory esophageal ulcers, we were able to demonstrate the presence of human immunodeficiency virus RNA in lymphocytes and mononuclear cells from the ulcer base, using an in situ hybridization technique. These observations suggest that human immunodeficiency virus may play a role in the development or persistence of solitary refractory esophageal ulcers.