PNEUMOCYSTIC PNEUMONIA
	ORGANISM Pneumocystis carinii Worldwide distribution Once thought to be protozoan, but now recognised as a fungus via RNA and DNA testing P.carinii is found on everyone's bodies
	ENTRY INTO THE BODY P.carnii is an organism present on everyone's body. In a healthy individual, the immune system can control it and prevent infection In an individual with weakened immunity, the bug becomes active. The organism is inhaled into the body and causes infection.
	CLINICAL FEATURES This organism almost always affects the lungs Pneumonia-like illness - coughing, breathing difficulty, fever. Organism and disease remains localised in the lungs - even in fatal cases. Lungs to fill with frothy exudate. Cause virulent pneumonia in aids
	RISK GROUPS Pneumocystis pneumonia occurs almost exclusively in immunocompromised hosts. Occurs in patients being treated for cancer or post-transplant, with immunosuppressive drugs, and irradiation treatment
	INCIDENCE Pneumocystis carnii is the most common opportunistic disease encountered by AIDS patients, and affects more than 80% of them is the single most common cause of death in AIDS patients.
	DIAGNOSIS Microscopic - detect presence of microorganisms in infected lung material. PCR analysis
	TREATMENT AND PREVENTION Oxygen and combination drug therapy Drugs which are used to treat the disease will also prevent it in susceptible individuals. such as cancer and AIDS. Prevention and control through prophylaxis with drugs in susceptible individuals.
	Back to Opportunistic Mycoses Main Mycoses Menu