Candida Esophagitis in a Male Homosexual with Defective Neutrophil Function. A 'Pseudo-AIDS' Syndrome

36-year-old male homosexual presented with a prolonged history ofodynophagia. Esophageal candidiasis was suspected at endoscopy and confirmed bybiopsy ane cultures. Investigations demonstrated no evidence for underlying humanimmunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection hy either ELISA assay or Wes1ern Blot technique,and lymphocyte helper: supressor ratios were normal. A specific serum-dependentfactor that inhibited the candidacidal capability of his neutrophils, as well as those ofvolunteer controls, was detected. This inhibitor disappeared after treatment of thecandidal infection. Severe and extensive esophagitis is not always indicative of anunderlying infection with HIV in homosexual mnles. Clinical criteria alone should notbe used to establish the diagnosis of AIDS, even in patients from recognized highrisk categories