Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine
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Arch. Pathol. Lab. Med. · Sep 2004
Editorial ReviewPneumocystis carinii infection. Update and review.
To review and update the literature on current trends with regard to Pneumocystis carinii (jiroveci ) diagnosis, treatment modalities, and its role in human disease processes. ⋯ Opportunistic infection with P carinii (jiroveci ) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in human immunodeficiency virus and non-human immunodeficiency virus-associated immunosuppressed patients. Diagnosis may be achieved in the majority of cases by routine cytochemical stains and specialized techniques such as immunocytochemistry and polymerase chain reaction. The incidence of P carinii pneumonia can significantly be reduced with effective use of prophylaxis and early detection of cases at high risk. Immunization for P carinii pneumonia is in the early stages and presents a challenging area for research.