Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

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AIDS

Lungs

Pneumocystosis

Pneumocystosis; PCP; Pneumocystis jiroveci

The mainstay of treatment for PCP is antimicrobial therapy. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is the drug of choice for PCP, and may be given orally or via the intravenous route depending on the severity of the illness.

In individuals with low levels of oxygenation and moderate to severe PCP, corticosteroids are frequently used as well. Other antimicrobials used for the treatment of PCP include: pentamidine, trimethoprim-dapsone, clindamycin, primaquine, and atovaquone.

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia can be life-threatening, and death may occur due to respiratory failure -- hence early and effective treatment is necessary. For moderate to severe PCP in individuals with AIDS, the use of adjunctive corticosteroids has also led to decreased mortality.

• respiratory failure -- may require mechanical ventilation
• pneumothorax
• pleural effusion (extremely rare)

Individuals with weakened immune systems due to AIDS, cancer, transplantation, or corticosteroid use should notify their physician if they develop cough, fevers, and/or shortness of breath.

While there are many infections that may lead to similar symptoms, a medical evaluation must be performed to rule out opportunistic infections like PCP.

Review Date: 02/13/2006
Reviewed By: Monica Gandhi, M.D., M.P.H., Assistant Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.