Immunocompromised individuals are susceptible to a variety of esophageal infections. Organisms responsible for esophagitis in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are briefly reviewed. Usually confined to the esophageal mucosa, pathogens known to have the potential for transmural invasion are identified. The first report of tracheoesophageal fistulization in an AIDS patient with herpes esophagitis is presented.