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Infectious Esophagitis in Children

Jonathan E M O'Donnell1,2, Usha Krishnan1,2

  • 1From the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|June 10, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Infectious esophagitis, caused by Candida, Herpes simplex virus (HSV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV), is a significant cause of dysphagia. Impaired immunity, esophageal dysmotility, and altered esophageal homeostasis are key risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases
  • Esophageal Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Infectious esophagitis is the third leading cause of esophagitis.
  • Common pathogens include Candida, Herpes simplex virus (HSV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV).
  • Risk factors include impaired immunity, esophageal dysmotility, and disruptions in esophageal homeostasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of considering infectious esophagitis in patients with dysphagia and odynophagia.
  • To review the common causative organisms and risk factors for infectious esophagitis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing knowledge on infectious esophagitis.
  • Analysis of etiological agents and pathogenetic mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Candida, HSV, and CMV are the most frequent causes of infectious esophagitis.
  • Impaired local or systemic immunity is a recognized risk factor.
  • Esophageal dysmotility and altered esophageal homeostasis are likely additional contributors.

Conclusions:

  • Infectious esophagitis is a crucial differential diagnosis for dysphagia and odynophagia.
  • Understanding the role of immune status, esophageal motility, and homeostasis is vital for pathogenesis.
  • Further research into these factors may improve diagnosis and treatment strategies.

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