Management of Pneumocystis Jirovecii pneumonia in HIV infected patients: current options, challenges and future directions

Jose G Castro1, Maya Morrison-Bryant21Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA; 2Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program, Miami, Florida, USAAbstract: The discovery of the Human Immunodeficiency V...

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Main Authors: Jose G Castro, Maya Morrison-Bryant
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Dove Medical Press 2010-06-01
Series:HIV/AIDS: Research and Palliative Care
Online Access:http://www.dovepress.com/management-of-pneumocystis-jirovecii-pneumonia-in-hiv-infected-patient-a4658
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author Jose G Castro
Maya Morrison-Bryant
author_facet Jose G Castro
Maya Morrison-Bryant
author_sort Jose G Castro
collection DOAJ
description Jose G Castro1, Maya Morrison-Bryant21Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA; 2Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program, Miami, Florida, USAAbstract: The discovery of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was led by the merge of clustered cases of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia (PCP) in otherwise healthy people in the early 80’s.1,2 In the face of sophisticated treatment now available for HIV infection, life expectancy approaches normal limits. It has dramatically changed the natural course of HIV from a nearly fatal infection to a chronic disease.3–5 However, PCP still remains a relatively common presentation of uncontrolled HIV. Despite the knowledge and advances gained in the prevention and management of PCP infection, it continues to have high morbidity and mortality rates. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) remains as the recommended first-line treatment. Alternatives include pentamidine, dapsone plus trimethoprim, clindamycin administered with primaquine, and atovaquone. For optimal management, clinicians need to be familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of the available drugs. The parameters used to classify severity of infection are also important, as it is well known that the adjunctive use of steroids in moderate to severe cases have been shown to significantly improve outcome. Evolving management practices, such as the successful institution of early antiretroviral therapy, may further enhance overall survival rates.Keywords: HIV, Pneumocystis Jirovecii, PCP, TMP-SMZ
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spelling doaj.art-970b179b600945fbb3e7f8c3d4bb5ee92022-12-21T20:05:02ZengDove Medical PressHIV/AIDS: Research and Palliative Care1179-13732010-06-012010default123134Management of Pneumocystis Jirovecii pneumonia in HIV infected patients: current options, challenges and future directionsJose G CastroMaya Morrison-BryantJose G Castro1, Maya Morrison-Bryant21Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA; 2Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program, Miami, Florida, USAAbstract: The discovery of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was led by the merge of clustered cases of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia (PCP) in otherwise healthy people in the early 80’s.1,2 In the face of sophisticated treatment now available for HIV infection, life expectancy approaches normal limits. It has dramatically changed the natural course of HIV from a nearly fatal infection to a chronic disease.3–5 However, PCP still remains a relatively common presentation of uncontrolled HIV. Despite the knowledge and advances gained in the prevention and management of PCP infection, it continues to have high morbidity and mortality rates. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) remains as the recommended first-line treatment. Alternatives include pentamidine, dapsone plus trimethoprim, clindamycin administered with primaquine, and atovaquone. For optimal management, clinicians need to be familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of the available drugs. The parameters used to classify severity of infection are also important, as it is well known that the adjunctive use of steroids in moderate to severe cases have been shown to significantly improve outcome. Evolving management practices, such as the successful institution of early antiretroviral therapy, may further enhance overall survival rates.Keywords: HIV, Pneumocystis Jirovecii, PCP, TMP-SMZhttp://www.dovepress.com/management-of-pneumocystis-jirovecii-pneumonia-in-hiv-infected-patient-a4658
spellingShingle Jose G Castro
Maya Morrison-Bryant
Management of Pneumocystis Jirovecii pneumonia in HIV infected patients: current options, challenges and future directions
HIV/AIDS: Research and Palliative Care
title Management of Pneumocystis Jirovecii pneumonia in HIV infected patients: current options, challenges and future directions
title_full Management of Pneumocystis Jirovecii pneumonia in HIV infected patients: current options, challenges and future directions
title_fullStr Management of Pneumocystis Jirovecii pneumonia in HIV infected patients: current options, challenges and future directions
title_full_unstemmed Management of Pneumocystis Jirovecii pneumonia in HIV infected patients: current options, challenges and future directions
title_short Management of Pneumocystis Jirovecii pneumonia in HIV infected patients: current options, challenges and future directions
title_sort management of pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in hiv infected patients current options challenges and future directions
url http://www.dovepress.com/management-of-pneumocystis-jirovecii-pneumonia-in-hiv-infected-patient-a4658
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