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Pneumocystis pneumonia: A fungal infection of the lungs that is particularly common and life-threatening in premature or malnourished infants and in immunosuppressed persons. Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is the most common opportunistic infection in people infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).
PCP causes fever, cough, shortness of breath and cyanosis. Untreated, it leads to pulmonary consolidation, low blood oxygen levels, and death.
The diagnosis of PCP requires microscopical identification of pneumocystis from a source such as sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, or lung tissue, because pneumocystis cannot be cultured in the laboratory. The most common treatment for PCP is trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Preventative treatment (prophylaxis) is available to prevent PCP in persons at elevated risk.
See also: Pneumocystis.
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), as the condition is commonly termed (although the causative organism has been renamed Pneumocystis jiroveci [pronounced ...
Pneumocystis pneumonia can affect infants who have AIDS, cancer, or other conditions that affect the immune system.
Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia is a fungal infection of the lungs. The disease used to be called Pneumocystis carinii. Causes This type of pneumonia is ...
Epidemiologic Notes and Reports. Pneumocystis Pneumonia --- Los Angeles. In the period October 1980-May 1981, 5 young men, all active homosexuals, were treated for biopsy ...
Pneumocystis Pneumonia -- Los Angeles. MMWR 1981;30:250-2 (June 5, 1981) In the period October 1980-May 1981, 5 young men, all active homosexuals, were treated for biopsy ...