Smileband health topics

Article written by idaz medical, 

Pneumocystis pneumonia is a fungal infection caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii which is one of the most common opportunistic fungal infections. Symptoms can include fever, dry cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. In individuals with HIV or weakened immune systems the infection presents sub-acutely and they will have a low-grade fever. In HIV-unifected patients the symptoms will include a high fever and the infection will develop more quickly.

 

Transmission

Transmission is unknown but there is some evidence to suggest that transmission in humans in airborne.

Incubation period is unknown.

Lab Tests & Specimen Info

Test*	Specimen
Microscopic examination	Sputum, Bronchoalveolar Lavage, Lung Biopsy, Transbronchial Biopsy
PCR	Sputum, Bronchial Washing, Bronchoalveolar Lavage, Body Fluids

 Isolation Precautions

Standard precautions are recommended in healthcare settings. 

Prevention for Patients
Pneumocystis pneumonia is a very rare infection that usually only affects individuals who are immunocomprised. 

For those individuals at high risk, chemoprophylaxis may be recommended. <!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->

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