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Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), also known as Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP), is a form of pneumonia that is caused by the yeast-like fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii. [ 3 ] [ 4 ] Pneumocystis specimens are commonly found in the lungs of healthy people although it is usually not a cause for disease. [ 5 ]
Pneumocystis jirovecii (previously P. carinii) is a yeast-like fungus of the genus Pneumocystis. The causative organism of Pneumocystis pneumonia , it is an important human pathogen , particularly among immunocompromised hosts .
Pneumocystosis is a fungal infection that most often presents as Pneumocystis pneumonia in people with HIV/AIDS or poor immunity. [1] [7] It usually causes cough, difficulty breathing and fever, and can lead to respiratory failure. [4]
Fungal pneumonia is an infection of the lungs by fungi. It can be caused by either endemic or opportunistic fungi or a combination of both. Case mortality in fungal pneumonias can be as high as 90% in immunocompromised patients, [ 1 ] [ 2 ] though immunocompetent patients generally respond well to anti-fungal therapy.
Fungal pneumonia is uncommon, but occurs more commonly in individuals with weakened immune systems due to AIDS, immunosuppressive drugs, or other medical problems. [22] [48] It is most often caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces, Cryptococcus neoformans, Pneumocystis jiroveci (pneumocystis pneumonia, or PCP), and Coccidioides immitis.
It is used widely as a screen for fungal organisms. It is particularly useful in staining carbohydrates. It can be used to identify the yeast-like fungus Pneumocystis jiroveci, [1] which causes a form of pneumonia called Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) or pneumocystosis. The cell walls of these organisms are outlined by the brown to black stain.
People with HIV/AIDS are less likely to get Pneumocystis pneumonia as a result of antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, Pneumocystis pneumonia is still a substantial public health problem. Most of what is scientifically known about Pneumocystis pneumonia and its treatment comes from studying people with HIV/AIDS. [12]
[1] [7] Systemic fungal infections are more serious and include cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, pneumocystis pneumonia, aspergillosis and mucormycosis. [3] Signs and symptoms range widely. [3] There is usually a rash with superficial infection. [2] Fungal infection within the skin or under the skin may present with a lump and skin changes. [3]