Pneumocystis jirovecii
 Pneumocystis jirovecii 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.
 Prior to its discovery as a human-specific
pathogen, P. jirovecii was known as P.
carinii.
 Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, is a fungal
infection that most commonly affects the
immunocompromised and, in some cases, can
be severely life-threatening.
 Pneumocystis jiroveci remains an important
fungal pathogen in immunocompromised hosts.
 The environmental reservoir remains unknown.
 Pneumonia (PJP) results from airborne
transmission, including in nosocomial clusters, or
with reactivation after an inadequately treated
infection.
What are the signs and symptoms of Pneumocystis
pneumonia?
The most common symptoms to watch for include:
 Fever that comes on suddenly.
 Cough.
 Trouble breathing. It often gets worse with activity.
 A dry cough, with little or no mucus.
 Chest tightness.
 Weight loss.
 Night sweats.
Diagnosis
 The specific diagnosis is based on identification
of P. jirovecii in bronchopulmonary secretions
obtained as induced sputum or bronchoalveolar
lavage (BAL) material.
 Molecular methods for detection
 Pneumocystis PCR detects Pneumocystis jirovecii
with higher sensitivity than the broad-range
fungal PCR.
TREATMENT
 Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is considered
to be the first-line drug for treatment and has
proven to be highly effective for
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia prophylaxis
in both HIV and non-HIV patients.
 Pentamidine, atovaquone, clindamycin, and
primaquine are used as second-line agents.
 Other antifungal agents used in the treatment of fungal
pneumonia are fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole
(Sporanox), flucytosine (Ancobon), and ketoconazole