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Frequency of trichomonads as coinfecting agents in Pneumocystis pneumonia

Christophe Duboucher1, Delphine Gerbod, Christophe Noël

  • 1Anatomic Pathology Laboratory, Service of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Hôpital de Saint-Germainen-Laye, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France. christophe.duboucher@online.fr

Acta Cytologica
|June 22, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Pulmonary Trichomonas coinfection is common in immunocompromised patients with Pneumocystis pneumonia, found in 60% of samples. Trichomonad presence increased with Pneumocystis load.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Parasitology
  • Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

  • Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a significant opportunistic infection in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Co-infections can complicate the clinical presentation and management of PCP.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of Trichomonas coinfection in patients with PCP.
  • To explore the relationship between Trichomonas and Pneumocystis in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF).

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 66 BALF samples from immunocompromised patients diagnosed with pneumocystosis.
  • Microscopic examination of BALF for the presence of Trichomonas and Pneumocystis organisms.

Main Results:

  • Trichomonads were identified as coinfecting agents in 60% of BALF samples.
  • The frequency and abundance of Trichomonas increased significantly, reaching 100% in samples with high Pneumocystis loads.

Conclusions:

  • Pulmonary Trichomonas infection appears to be a frequent co-occurrence during Pneumocystis pneumonia.
  • The specific role of Trichomonas in causing alveolar damage in the context of PCP warrants further investigation.

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