Diagnosing PCP in HIV-Negative Immunocompromised Patients

PCR performed better than an indirect immunofluorescence assay.

Pneumocystis jirovecii (formerly Pneumocystis carinii) is a common opportunistic pathogen that causes pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals. Diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) rests on detection of the pathogen in respiratory specimens, such as induced sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, or biopsy samples, using conventional staining methods or PCR. Staining techniques are relatively insensitive in HIV-negative immunocompromised patients, but PCR is so sensitive that it may detect asymptomatic colonization.

Researchers recently compared PCR with an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for diagnosing PCP in 448 consecutive HIV-negative immunocompromised patients admitted to a Paris hospital between January 2002 and Octo…

Reviewing Author

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Diagnosing PCP in HIV-Negative Immunocompromised Patients

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Reviewing Author