• Ziling Li, Shuyun Xu, Jing Shi, and Yong Zhang.
• Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
• Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Feb 3; 102 (5): e32290e32290.

RationalePneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is an opportunistic infection of patients with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency. It is most frequently occurred in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, organ transplantation, leukemia, and immunosuppressive therapy. Here we describe the rare case of PCP in a non-HIV-infected diabetic patient and find possible reasons for the association through a literature review.Patient ConcernsA 65-years-old male was admitted to our hospital due to a 10-year history of abnormal blood glucose levels and edema of both lower extremities for half a month. However, the patient developed a high fever and progressive dyspnea during hospitalization.DiagnosesThe patient had elevated blood sugar levels, a low white blood cell count within normal limits, and severe lymphopenia. His blood G test and lactate dehydrogenase levels increased significantly. Multiple sputa and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid specimens for Pneumocystis jirovecii (PJ) nucleic acid detection were positive. Chest computed tomography scan demonstrated hazy patchy shadows in the lungs suspected to be pulmonary infections. No tumor, transplantation, or an autoimmune disease was found in the examinations. The patient was diagnosed with PCP finally.InterventionsA combination of oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and intravenous caspofungin was administered immediately against PJ. The patient was also treated with noninvasive ventilator-assisted ventilation, subcutaneous insulin, and hemodialysis therapy.OutcomesThe patient was discharged home finally with a fair general condition and was followed up without respiratory symptoms.LessonsThe compromised immunity in HIV-negative patients with diabetes may be related to lymphocyte decrease and dysfunction, which may cause diabetic patients prone to PJ. Although PCP is rare in diabetes, it should be paid attention to the high rate of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.Copyright © 2023 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

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