Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Processing of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid and Matched Blood for Alveolar Macrophage and CD4+ T-cell Immunophenotyping and HIV Reservoir Assessment
07:21

Processing of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid and Matched Blood for Alveolar Macrophage and CD4+ T-cell Immunophenotyping and HIV Reservoir Assessment

Published on: June 23, 2019

Brain abscesses in HIV-positive patients due to Pneumocystis jiroveci

Roy Nasnas1, Marc Y Matta, Gilbert El Helou

  • 11Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Hôtel-Dieu de France Hospital, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.

Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (Chicago, Ill. : 2002)
|March 29, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Brain abscesses in AIDS patients are usually toxoplasmosis, but this case shows rare cerebral pneumocystosis. Diagnosis was confirmed via brain biopsy, and the patient successfully responded to high-dose cotrimoxazole treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Immunocompromised Hosts

Background:

  • Cerebral toxoplasmosis is a frequent opportunistic infection in individuals with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
  • Pneumocystosis, caused by Pneumocystis jiroveci, is typically a pulmonary infection, with cerebral involvement being exceptionally rare in AIDS patients.

Observation:

  • A patient diagnosed with AIDS presented with symptoms indicative of brain abscesses.
  • Diagnostic procedures included stereotactic brain biopsy for definitive etiological identification.

Findings:

  • Immunofluorescence staining of the brain biopsy specimen confirmed the presence of Pneumocystis jiroveci, establishing a diagnosis of cerebral pneumocystosis.
  • The patient was treated with high-dose co-trimoxazole, a standard therapy for Pneumocystis infections.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering rare opportunistic infections like cerebral pneumocystosis in the differential diagnosis of brain abscesses in AIDS patients.
  • Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, such as co-trimoxazole, can lead to favorable clinical outcomes even in severe, disseminated infections.
  • Further research may be warranted to understand the pathogenesis and incidence of non-pulmonary Pneumocystis jiroveci infections in immunocompromised individuals.

More Related Videos

Deciphering and Imaging Pathogenesis and Cording of Mycobacterium abscessus in Zebrafish Embryos10:38

Deciphering and Imaging Pathogenesis and Cording of Mycobacterium abscessus in Zebrafish Embryos

Published on: September 9, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
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...
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following: