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Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia
Alternate Names : PCP, Pneumocystosis
Definition An infection of the lungs caused by the fungi called Pneumocystis carinii.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
PCP is a pneumonia caused by the fungal organism Pneumocystis carinii, which is widespread in the environment, and is not a pathogen in healthy individuals.
However, in individuals with weakened immune systems due to cancer, HIV/AIDS, solid organ and/or bone marrow transplantation, as well as individuals receiving chronic corticosteroids or other medications which affect the immune system, Pneumocystis carinii may lead to a lung infection.
Individuals with advanced AIDS are of particular interest, since PCP was a relatively rare infection prior to the AIDS epidemic. Before the use of preventive antibiotics for PCP, up to 70% of individuals in the U.S. with advanced AIDS would develop PCP.
PCP in the setting of AIDS usually presents with a more indolent course -- several weeks of cough, fevers, and progressive shortness of breath, especially with exertion. Individuals with PCP who do not have AIDS usually present over a shorter period of time and are more acutely ill.
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• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• AIDS
• Pneumothorax
Tests & Exams
• Bronchoscopy
• Chest X-Ray
• Lung Needle Biopsy
Other Topics
• Breathing Difficulty
• Cough
• Fever
• Intravenous
• Rapid Deep Breathing (Hyperventilation)
• Respiratory
Review Date : 2/22/2002
Reviewed By : Rocio Hurtado, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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