Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia is a fungal infection of the lungs. The disease used to be called Pneumocystis carinii.
Pneumocystosis; PCP; Pneumocystis carinii
This type of pneumonia is caused by the fungus Pneumocystis jiroveci. This fungus is common in the environment and does not cause illness in healthy people.
However, it can cause a lung infection in people with a weakened immune system due to:
Pneumocystis jiroveci was a relatively rare infection before the AIDS epidemic. Before the use of preventive antibiotics for the condition, most people in the United States with advanced AIDS would develop it.
Pneumocystis pneumonia in those with AIDS usually develops slowly over days to weeks or even months, and is less severe. People with pneumocystis pneumonia who do not have AIDS usually get sick faster and are more acutely ill.
Antibiotics can be given by mouth (orally) or through a vein (intravenously), depending on the severity of the illness.
People with low oxygen levels and moderate to severe disease are often prescribed corticosteroids as well.
Pneumocystis pneumonia can be life threatening, causing respiratory failure that can lead to death. People with this condition need early and effective treatment. For moderate to severe pneumocystis pneumonia in people with AIDS, the short term use of corticosteroids has decreased death.
If you have a weakened immune system due to AIDS, cancer, transplantation, or corticosteroid use, call your doctor if you develop a cough, fever, or shortness of breath.
Many infections can lead to similar symptoms. Your health care provider can help rule out opportunistic infections such as pneumocystis.
Preventive therapy is recommended for:
Feinberg JE. Pneumocystis pneumonia. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 362.