Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia (PCP) / Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia (PJP)

Pneumocystis jirovecii is a fungus that causes a serious lung infection known as Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). PCP primarily affects individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, transplant recipients, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and people taking immunosuppressive medications.

 

PCP is treated with antimicrobial medications, most commonly trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), which is highly effective against Pneumocystis jirovecii. Other medications, such as pentamidine, atovaquone, or clindamycin-primaquine, may be used in cases of intolerance or allergy to TMP-SMX.

 

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests can detect the genetic material of the fungus in respiratory samples, providing a highly sensitive method for diagnosis.

Method
  • Real Time PCR
Specimen
  • Respiratory / pleural fluid
TAT
  • 4 days

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