Progressive intractable actinomycosis in patients with AIDS.

Two rare cases of progressive oropharyngeal actinomycosis, characterized by a subacute and invasive course despite seemingly appropriate antibiotic and surgical treatment, have been observed in patients with AIDS. A brief review of previously reported cases of actinomycosis in HIV-infected patients is presented. Clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic problems dealing with actinomycosis in the immunocompromised host are discussed.