Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia
Introduction
Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia is a fungal infection of the lungs. The disease used to be called Pneumocystis carinii.
What are the symptoms of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia?
Pneumocystis pneumonia in those with AIDS usually develops slowly over days to weeks or even months, and is less severe. People with pneumocystis pneumonia who do not have AIDS usually get sick faster and are more acutely ill. Symptoms include:
- Cough — often mild and dry
- Fever
- Rapid breathing
- Shortness of breath — especially with activity (exertion)
What causes Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia?
This type of pneumonia is caused by the fungus Pneumocystis jiroveci. This fungus is common in the environment and does not cause illness in healthy people. However, it can cause a lung infection in people with a weakened immune system due to:
- Cancer
- Chronic use of corticosteroids or other medications that weaken the immune system
- HIV/AIDS
- Organ or bone marrow transplant
Pneumocystis jiroveci was a relatively rare infection before the AIDS epidemic. Before the use of preventive antibiotics for the condition, most people in the United States with advanced AIDS would develop it.
Who is at highest risk?
This type of pneumonia is caused by the fungus Pneumocystis jiroveci. This fungus is common in the environment and does not cause illness in healthy people. However, it can cause a lung infection in people with a weakened immune system due to:
- Cancer
- Chronic use of corticosteroids or other medications that weaken the immune system
- HIV/AIDS
- Organ or bone marrow transplant
When to seek urgent medical care?
If you feel you are developing symptoms suggestive of Pneumocystis pneumonia contact your health professional.
Diagnosis
- Blood gases
- Bronchoscopy (with lavage)
- Lung biopsy
- X-ray of the chest
- Sputum exam to check for fungus that causes the infection
Treatment options
Antibiotics can be given by mouth (orally) or through a vein (intravenously), depending on the severity of the illness. People with low oxygen levels and moderate to severe disease are often prescribed corticosteroids as well.
Where to find medical care for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Pneumocystis pneumonia can be life threatening, causing respiratory failure that can lead to death. People with this condition need early and effective treatment. For moderate to severe pneumocystis pneumonia in people with AIDS, the short term use of corticosteroids has decreased death.
Possible complications
- Pleural effusion (extremely rare)
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
- Respiratory failure (may require breathing support)
Sources
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Want to know more?
A more detailed clinical article for the same condition is available from WikiDoc. It is written for medical professionals and uses technical language.