An opportunistic infection caused by a one-celled organism believed to be a fungus called Pneumocystis jiroveci. The fungus rarely causes infection in healthy people. But in people who have weakened immune systems, the organism can invade the lungs and multiply. As a result, the tiny air sacs in the lungs called alveoli (which enable the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the bloodstream and the lungs) can become thickened and enlarged and their function impaired. The infection occurs almost exlusively in people whose immune system is suppressed, such as people with aids.
Pneumonia caused by a species of the genus of protozoa, a parasitic micro-organism. Pneumocystis carinii causes an opportunistic infection in the lung which is dangerous to people whose immune system is impaired, thus reducing their resistance to infections. People with AIDS/HIV or leukaemiad have impaired immune systems and P carinii is a major cause of death in the former. Fever, dry cough and breathlessness are among the symptoms; treatment is with high doses of antibiotic drugs such as co-trimoxazole or pentamidine.
Pneumocystis pneumonia, induced by a protozoan called Pneumocystis carinii, denotes a lung infection. This infection is considered opportunistic, posing a threat mainly to individuals with weakened immune systems. It’s notably prevalent among those with AIDS. Symptoms encompass fever, dry cough, and breathlessness, often persisting for several weeks or even months.
Diagnosis is established through the scrutiny of sputum or by conducting a lung biopsy (acquiring tissue for analysis). Employing substantial doses of antibiotic medications, frequently co-trimoxazole, can effectively eliminate the infection. For individuals at heightened risk, lower doses of antibiotics are administered over the long term to forestall potential infections.