A Comparison of Fluconazole and Ketoconazole in the Treatment of Fungal Infections of the Throat in Patients With Weakened Immune Systems

Inclusion Criteria Prior Medication: Allowed: * Cyclosporin if levels can be monitored for proper cyclosporin dose adjustment. Exclusion Criteria Co-existing Condition: Patients with the following are excluded: * Evidence of noncandidal systemic fungal infections. * Leukopenia (white blood cell count less than 1000/mm3), or expected to develop leukopenia during the study. * Other condition known to be associated with poor ketoconazole absorption, e.g., hypochlorhydria. * Leukemia requiring chemotherapy. * Any other condition which in the opinion of the investigator would make the patient unsuitable for enrollment. Concurrent Medication: Excluded: * Warfarin. * Immunostimulants. * Interferon. * Oral or topical antifungal agents. Concurrent Treatment: Excluded: * Lymphocyte replacement. Patients with the following are excluded: * History of allergy to imidazoles. * Abnormalities which may preclude esophagoscopy or endoscopy before or during the study. * Inability to tolerate fluconazole or ketoconazole. * Inability or unwillingness to give written informed consent. * Life expectancy \< 2 months. Prior Medication: Excluded: * Rifampin or ansamycin, pending clarification of drug interactions between these drugs and fluconazole. * Warfarin. Patients must meet the CDC criteria for the diagnosis of AIDS or be otherwise immunocompromised (e.g., malignancy, renal transplant) and have a diagnosis of oral candidiasis and/or esophageal symptoms of dysphagia and/or odynophagia. Illicit or illegal drug use.