Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 11, 2026

Experimental Human Pneumococcal Carriage
07:47

Experimental Human Pneumococcal Carriage

Published on: February 15, 2013

16.4K

First data on Pneumocystis jirovecii colonization in patients with respiratory diseases in North Lebanon

S Khalife1, E M Aliouat2, C M Aliouat-Denis2

  • 1Biology and Diversity of Emerging Eukaryotic Pathogens (BDPEE), Pasteur Institute of Lille, Centre for Infection and Immunity of Lille, University of Lille, Lille, France ; Health and Environment Microbiology Laboratory, AZM Centre for Research in Biotechnology and its Application, Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon.

New Microbes and New Infections
|June 5, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Pneumocystis colonization is prevalent in North Lebanon, particularly in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. This study highlights Pneumocystis circulation and transmission risks in respiratory patients.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Pneumocystis colonization may influence respiratory disease progression and transmission.
  • Understanding Pneumocystis epidemiology in patients with respiratory conditions is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of Pneumocystis colonization in respiratory disease patients in North Lebanon.
  • To characterize Pneumocystis genotypes circulating in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with respiratory diseases in North Lebanon.
  • Pneumocystis colonization was assessed, and patients with positive results underwent mtLSU genotyping.
  • Statistical analysis identified factors associated with colonization.

Main Results:

  • The overall prevalence of Pneumocystis colonization was 5.2%, significantly higher (17.3%) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • COPD was the sole factor linked to increased colonization risk.
  • mtLSU genotyping revealed a predominance of genotype 2 (71.4%), with one case of co-infection with genotype 3.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first data on Pneumocystis circulation in North Lebanon among respiratory patients.
  • The findings indicate a notable prevalence in COPD patients, suggesting a potential transmission reservoir.
  • These results underscore the importance of considering Pneumocystis in respiratory disease management and for immunocompromised individuals.
Keywords:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseLebanonPneumocystis colonizationmtLSU genotyperespiratory diseases

More Related Videos

Visualization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa within the Sputum of Cystic Fibrosis Patients07:25

Visualization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa within the Sputum of Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Published on: July 16, 2020

3.7K
Author Spotlight: Advancing Pathogen Detection and Disease Assessment in Real-Time Using M-ROSE03:22

Author Spotlight: Advancing Pathogen Detection and Disease Assessment in Real-Time Using M-ROSE

Published on: March 1, 2024

1.3K

Related Concept Videos

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...
1.4K
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
4.4K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies01:27

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies

Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
3.4K
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:
1.3K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
3.3K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-lasting respiratory condition requiring continuous attention and care. It is a progressive lung disease that leads to breathing challenges due to airflow obstruction. It manifests as persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases. COPD mainly consists of two primary conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
4.2K