INTRODUCTION: Epstein-Barr virus esophagitis in an immunocompetent host is a rare entity. It represents either primary infection or reactivation and is usually characterized by acute onset and extensive ulcerative involvement of the upper and middle third of the esophagus.CASE PRESENTATION: A case of Epstein-Barr virus esophagitis in a 27-year-old woman with no immunosuppressive factors, and having gastrointestinal symptoms is reported here. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction, biopsy and blood specimens were tested for candida and herpes viruses. Epstein-Barr virus DNA was detected in tissue samples. The patient was treated with acyclovir with resolution of the symptomatology.CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of esophagitis remains undefined in both immunodeficient and immunocompetent individuals and should be taken into consideration in a patient presenting with esophageal symptoms. This case report stresses the role of Epstein-Barr virus infection in the pathogenesis of esophagitis, a rare condition in an immunocompetent host. In this setting, active infection may represent a primary infection or reactivation. Histopathological examination alone may miss the diagnosis, while polymerase chain reaction techniques optimize the diagnostic sensitivity, establish a diagnosis, and lead to an appropriate therapy.