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[Pathological changes of diffuse Pneumocystis carinii infection in the liver of an AIDS patient]

X Q Guan1, L C Zhou, X G Liao

  • 1Department of Pathology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016.

Zhongguo Ji Sheng Chong Xue Yu Ji Sheng Chong Bing Za Zhi = Chinese Journal of Parasitology & Parasitic Diseases
|February 8, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study investigated liver pathology in an AIDS patient with Pneumocystis carinii infection. Findings confirmed diffuse extrapulmonary Pneumocystis carinii infection in the liver.

Area of Science:

  • Pathology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunocompromised Hosts

Background:

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) predisposes individuals to opportunistic infections.
  • Pneumocystis carinii (now recognized as Pneumocystis jirovecii) is a common opportunistic pathogen, typically causing pulmonary infections.

Observation:

  • A liver biopsy was performed on an AIDS patient with suspected opportunistic infection.
  • Histopathological examination included Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE), Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS), Giemsa, Gomori methenamine silver (GMS), and acid-fast staining.
  • Light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were utilized for detailed analysis.

Findings:

  • The liver tissue exhibited granulomas that were negative for acid-fast staining.
  • Numerous PAS-positive pathogens were identified within the hepatic sinusoids.
  • Giemsa and GMS staining, along with electron microscopy, definitively identified the pathogen as Pneumocystis carinii.

Implications:

  • This case demonstrates a rare instance of diffuse extrapulmonary Pneumocystis carinii infection involving the liver in an AIDS patient.
  • The findings highlight the importance of considering extrapulmonary sites for Pneumocystis infection in severely immunocompromised individuals.
  • Pathological examination is crucial for diagnosing atypical presentations of opportunistic infections in AIDS.

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