EBV and HSV infections in a patient who had undergone bone marrow transplantation: oral manifestations and diagnosis by in situ nucleic acid hybridization

The course of infections with herpes simplex virus and Epstein-Barr virus in an immunosuppressed patient who had undergone bone marrow transplantation and had tested seronegative for human immunodeficiency virus is described. The clinical oral manifestations were unusual, as they included hairy leukoplakia-like lesions and extensive mucosal ulceration. Histologic examination disclosed unique features consisting of both lichenoid and viral cytopathic changes. The association of the lesions with both Epstein-Barr virus and herpes simplex virus was confirmed by in situ hybridization histochemistry. The importance of recognition of the symptoms, specific diagnosis by DNA hybridization, and implications for antiviral prophylaxis and therapy are emphasized.