Pneumocystis Pneumonia: Current Concepts in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Bryan J. Krajicek, Charles F. Thomas, Andrew H. Limper

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

54 Scopus citations

Abstract

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is an infection of the lungs caused by the opportunistic fungal genus Pneumocystis. In humans, PCP is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection occurring in immunocompromised individuals, particularly those who have AIDS, or following immune suppression from malignancy, organ transplantation, or therapies for inflammatory diseases. Several recent studies have contributed to understanding of the biology and pathogenesis of the organism yielding new diagnostic approaches and therapeutic targets. Although trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole remains the mainstay of prophylaxis and treatment, ongoing concerns for emerging Pneumocystis resistance supports the continuing investigation for novel therapeutic agents.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)265-278
Number of pages14
JournalClinics in Chest Medicine
Volume30
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2009

Keywords

  • Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
  • Immune suppression
  • Inflammation
  • Opportunistic infection
  • Pneumocystis pneumonia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

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