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A Distinctive Marker of Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type III (HTLV-III) Infection

LTC(P) George P. Lupton, MC; LTC William D. James, MC; MAJ Robert R. Redfield, MC; Charles Brown, MS; COL Orlando G. Rodman, MC

Arch Dermatol. 1987;123(5):624-628.

Abstract
• Oral hairy leukoplakia (HL) is a newly described lesion occurring principally on the lateral borders of the tongue in immunosuppressed homosexual men infected with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III). Clinically, HL appears as a slightly raised, poorly demarcated lesion with a corrugated or "hairy" surface. Histologically, the lesion is characterized by keratin projections on the surface (which often resemble hairs), parakeratosis, and acanthosis. In addition, large pale-staining cells with pyknotic nuclei are seen in the upper stratum malpighii, which appear similar to the koilocytes described in uterine condylomata. Candida organisms are frequently observed on the lesion surface. Little, if any, subepithelial inflammation is present. Human papillomavirus and Epstein-Barr virus have been identified in biopsy specimens from lesions of oral HL. The association of this lesion in patients with HTLV-III infection has been established. We saw a patient with HTLV-III infection and HL, in whom the immunochemical and ultrastructural findings revealed the presence of a mixed viral infection. Because oral HL may be of diagnostic value as an early indicator of HTLV-III infection, awareness of its characteristic clinical, histologic, immunochemical, and ultrastructural features is important.

(Arch Dermatol 1987;123:624-628)

Author Affiliations
USA; USA; USA; USA

From the Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine (Drs Lupton, James, and Rodman), and the Department of Pathology (Mr Brown), Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC; and the Department of Virus Diseases, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Washington, DC (Dr Redfield).

Footnotes
Accepted for publication Nov 20, 1986.

The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.

Reprints not available.

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