HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus and is a retrovirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. According to TheBody.com, pneumocystis pneumonia, or PCP, is the most common opportunistic infection in people with HIV. The National Institutes of Health states that PCP used to be called pneumocystis carinii, but is now known as pneumocystis jiroveci.
Prevelance
TheBody.com states that in the past, PCP was the major killer of HIV and AIDS patients. However, this has changed due to the availability of anti-HIV drugs. HIV patients with CD4 cell counts of less than 200 have the highest risk of developing PCP. Without antiretroviral drugs, over 85% of people with HIV develop PCP.
Causes
The National Institutes of Health states that PCP is caused by a fungus known as pneumocystis jiroveci. The fungus is common in the environment and does not cause illness in healthy people. Pneumocystis jiroveci fungus takes advantage of a weakened immune system in HIV-positive people and infects the lungs.
Treatment
TheBody.com states that PCP is treated using trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, dapsone, pentamidine and atovaquine. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is an antibiotic and is the most effective drug for treatment of PCP. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole contains sulfur and may cause allergic reactions in patients. Dapsone is a sulfone antibiotic and may cause blurred vision, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Pentamidine is an antiprotozoal drug and may cause side effects such as decreased appetite, bad taste, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, nausea, night sweats and sinus inflammation. Atovaquine is an antiprotozoal agent and is used in patients who cannot take trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. According to the National Institutes of Health, corticosteroids are also used to reduce inflammation in the lungs in patients with low oxygen levels.
Prevention/Solution
According TheBody.com, the best way to prevent PCP is to use strong antiretroviral drugs. Patients with CD4 cell counts of less than 200 can prevent PCP by taking a prophylactic of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Patients can also prevent PCP by avoiding smoking. According to TheBody.com, HIV-positive smokers develop PCP three times faster than HIV-positive people who do not smoke.
Symptoms
According to TheBody.com, pneumocystis jiroveci affects the lungs, causing a type of pneumonia. Symptoms of pneumonia include difficulties breathing, fever, dry cough, rapid breathing and shortness of breath.
Complications
The National Institutes of Health states that untreated PCP may lead to a collapsed lung, respiratory failure and death. Respiratory failure is inadequate gas exchange in the body which may lead to death.
