Pneumocystis jirovecii (formerly called Pneumocystis carinii and was considered a protozoan) is a fungus of the Pneumocystidaceae family, whose genome has not been fully elucidated. Pneumocystis jirovecii causes in humans a form of pneumonia, an important disease for immunosuppressed patients, especially HIV patients.
Inhalation of Pneumocystis jirovecii allows fungi to enter the human lungs where it adheres to the alveolar epithelium. Pneumocystis jirovecii causes disease only in immunocompromised patients. In these cases, a form of pneumonia, called pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), develops with symptoms that include cough, dyspnoea, and fever, although the infection can spread to other organs, including the liver, kidneys, and spleen.
A combination of antibiotics is usually used to treat the infection, usually in a regimen for 3 weeks.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. The correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
