Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP) is a serious medical condition that is caused by the fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii. This infection is most common in those who have a weakened immune system due to a condition like HIV/AIDS or due to taking a treatment regimen of corticosteroids for other health conditions. This is a common health issue that does not typically impact healthy people, and most people have this fungus present in their lungs without any symptoms or reports of ill health.
The most common symptoms of PCP are:
This illness is caused by a fungal infection with the Pneumocystis jirovecii fungus. Many healthy adults have this fungus present in their lungs and show no symptoms of ill health. However, these people can spread their fungal infection to those with a weakened immune system through coughing or exhalation of these fungal spores. Those with a weak immune system related to health concerns like cancer, HIV/AIDs, or other immune system conditions can be quite susceptible to the spores of this fungus and become sick.
The risk factors associated with this condition are:
Diagnosis of this condition is made through samples taken from the patient’s lungs. These samples might be mucus that the patient has coughed up to the sample can be collected through a procedure called a bronchoalveolar lavage. Lung biopsies can also be taken to check for the presence of this fungus. The samples that are taken from the lungs or the mucus will be sent to a lab for testing to confirm which fungus is causing the patient’s symptoms. Blood tests to detect B-D-glucan can also help doctors to diagnose patients for this kind of fungal infection.
Prevention of this condition can be complicated for those with weak immune systems. Exposure to the spores of this fungus can be possible just by coming into contact with those who are carriers of the fungal infection and do not show any symptoms. People with weakened immune systems are usually advised to wear a mask when they are going to be mingling with crowds of people and to wash their hands frequently to avoid a variety of different kinds of infections.
Treatment of this condition is mandatory. Most patients who are not treated will die. PCP has to be treated with TMP/SMX, which is a common sulpha drug. This drug is given intravenously or via mouth for about three weeks. For those who are allergic to sulpha drugs, there are alternative medications that might be used to provide treatment.
For those with pre-existing immune system conditions, specialist care might be necessary to help manage other problems that are related to the fungal infection. These patients might be placed in the ICU for treatment due to the need to monitor organ function carefully during treatment.