Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Quantification of the Immunosuppressant Tacrolimus on Dried Blood Spots Using LC-MS/MS
08:38

Quantification of the Immunosuppressant Tacrolimus on Dried Blood Spots Using LC-MS/MS

Published on: November 8, 2015

Mycophenolate mofetil may protect against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in renal transplanted patients

Luiz Sergio Azevedo1, Maria Cristina R Castro, Flavio J Paula

  • 1Renal Transplantation Unit, Hospital das Clínicas, Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. ls.azevedo@terra.com.br

Revista Do Instituto De Medicina Tropical De Sao Paulo
|July 16, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) may prevent Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in transplant patients without trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMS) prophylaxis. No PCP cases occurred in MMF or azathioprine groups, suggesting MMF

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Infectious Disease
  • Immunosuppression

Background:

  • Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) is a significant opportunistic infection in transplant recipients.
  • Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMS) is the standard prophylactic agent against PCP.
  • Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has demonstrated potential anti-PCP properties in preclinical studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of MMF in preventing PCP in renal transplant patients.
  • To compare PCP incidence in MMF-treated patients (without TMS) versus azathioprine (AZA)-treated patients (with TMS).

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 272 renal transplant patients with a minimum 6-month follow-up.
  • Patients were divided into two groups: MMF without TMS prophylaxis and AZA with TMS prophylaxis.
  • Incidence of PCP was the primary outcome measure.

Main Results:

  • No cases of PCP were observed in either the MMF group (without TMS) or the AZA group (with TMS).
  • This suggests MMF may offer protection against PCP even without concurrent TMS prophylaxis.

Conclusions:

  • MMF may possess intrinsic anti-PCP activity in renal transplant recipients.
  • Further large-scale, controlled trials are necessary to confirm the prophylactic role of MMF against PCP.

Related Concept Videos

Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Pharmacogenetics of Phase II Enzymes: N-acetyltransferase, Thiopurine S-methyltransferase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase01:27

Pharmacogenetics of Phase II Enzymes: N-acetyltransferase, Thiopurine S-methyltransferase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase

Phase II biotransformation reactions are essential for detoxifying and eliminating xenobiotics, including many pharmaceutical compounds. These reactions typically involve conjugation, the covalent attachment of polar endogenous groups such as glucuronic acid, sulfate, methyl, or acetyl moieties to functional groups introduced during Phase I metabolism. The resulting conjugates are more water-soluble, enabling efficient renal or biliary excretion.The major classes of Phase II enzymes include...
Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management01:16

Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management

Postoperative Nursing Management for Kidney Transplant PatientsPostoperative nursing management care includes monitoring the surgical site, encouraging early movement, and promoting lung health through breathing exercises. Nurses also administer prescribed medications like H2-blockers, such as famotidine, or proton pump inhibitors, like omeprazole, to help prevent gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding. Fungal infections in the mouth and bladder can result from immunosuppressive and antibiotic...
Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure01:26

Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure

Preoperative ManagementThe primary goals of preoperative management in kidney transplantation are to optimize the patient’s metabolic state and prepare them for surgery through diet adjustments, necessary dialysis, and tailored medical treatment. This phase also involves comprehensive infection screening and patient education about the surgical procedure and postoperative care to improve outcomes and adherence.Medical ManagementA comprehensive evaluation is required for both the living donor...
Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants01:22

Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants

Bone marrow transplant is a potential cure for several diseases, including cancer and specific genetic disorders. Notably, this procedure is applicable for patients suffering from aplastic anemia, certain types of leukemia, severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID), Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, thalassemia, sickle-cell disease, and certain cancers.
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy the...