EBV-positive mucocutaneous ulcer of the oral cavity associated with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

OBJECTIVE : To present two cases of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive mucocutaneous ulcer of the oral mucosa in association with human immunodeficiency virus infection. STUDY DESIGN : Two recently diagnosed cases of EBV-positive mucocutaneous ulcer of the oral mucosa in HIV-positive patients were reviewed with regards to their clinical, histomorphological and immunophenotypic features. RESULTS : Both cases presented clinically as well circumscribed ulcers which were histomorphologically characterized by dense superficial polymorphous inflammatory infiltrates. The infiltrates comprised cells with a predominant B-cell phenotype which ranged in size from small to intermediate with occasional large immunoblastic forms. Some of the larger B-cells had a Reed-Sternberg-like morphology. The B-cells were positive for CD20 and co-expressed CD30 and to a lesser extent CD15. EBER positivity was detected in most of the B-cells. CONCLUSION : EBV-positive mucocutaneous ulcer represents an unusual form of lymphoproliferative disorder associated with immune suppression. It should be distinguished from other forms of HIV-associated oral ulceration.