Pneumocystis jirovecii: Difference between revisions
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Pneumocystis jirovecii
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== Microbiology == |
== Microbiology == |
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* Yeast-like fungus |
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* Previously thought to be ''Pneumocystis carinii'', a close relative that causes disease in rats |
* Previously thought to be ''Pneumocystis carinii'', a close relative that causes disease in rats |
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** ''P. carinii'' and ''P. wakefieldiae'' infect rats, ''P. murina'' infects mice and ''P. jiroveci'' infects humans |
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* Also previously thought to be a protozoan, but reclassified as fungus based on phylogenetic analysis, most closely related to ''Schizosaccharomyces pombe'' |
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== Epidemiology == |
== Epidemiology == |
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Revision as of 21:59, 25 September 2019
- Opportunistic fungal infection of the lower respiratory infection
Microbiology
- Yeast-like fungus
- Previously thought to be Pneumocystis carinii, a close relative that causes disease in rats
- P. carinii and P. wakefieldiae infect rats, P. murina infects mice and P. jiroveci infects humans
- Also previously thought to be a protozoan, but reclassified as fungus based on phylogenetic analysis, most closely related to Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Epidemiology
- HIV
- Immune-suppression, e.g. from steroids
Presentation
- Shortness of breath on exertion
Investigations
- CXR
- Typical: bilateral diffuse patchy disease
- Atypical:
- Normal (15%)
- Localized
- Pneumothorax
- Upper lobe, if on pentamidine
- LDH increased
- CBC often normal
Diagnosis
- Induced sputum or brochoalveolar lavage (normal sputum not sensitive enough)
- 6min walk test: will desaturate, even if well-oxygenated at rest
Treatment
- Septra 5-6mg/kg po BID for 3 weeks
- If pO2 <70mmHg or A-a gradient ≥35: prednisone
- Alternative: clindamycin-primaquine or IV pentamidine
- Duration is 21 days (3 weeks)
Prophylaxis
- Usually instituted if the risk of PJP is greater than 3.5% per year
