Pneumocystosis
Overview
Pneumocystosis: Infection of the lung by a fungal organism called pneumocystis Carinii. The organism is found readily in most environments but generally does not affect healthy individuals. It occurs almost exclusively in immunocompromised people such as AIDS sufferers or those undergoing chemotherapy.
Symptoms
Cough Fever Progressive shortness of breath Rapid breathing
Causes
can cause a lung infection in in people with a weakened immune system due to any of the following conditions: Cancer Chronic use of corticosteroids or other medications that affect the immune system HIV/AIDS Solid organ or bone marrow transplant PCP was a relatively rare infection before the AIDS epidemic. Before the use of preventive antibiotics for PCP, up to 70% of people in the U.S. with advanced AIDS would develop PCP.
Treatment
The main treatment for PCP is with drugs that kill the bacteria (antimicrobial therapy). Antibiotics can be given by mouth (orally) or through a vein (intravenous), depending on the severity of the illness. People with low oxygen levels and moderate to severe PCP often take corticosteroids as well.