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[Intrauterine Pneumocystis infection]

E R Samitova1, T N Ermak2, I E Koltunov1

  • 1Morozov City Children's Clinical Hospital, Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow, Russia.

Terapevticheskii Arkhiv
|December 23, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Pneumocystis jiroveci can cause severe infant respiratory failure through in utero transmission. This study presents a case of generalized pneumocystosis in a child with evidence of congenital infection, highlighting the risks of intrauterine P. jiroveci transmission.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Mycology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Pneumocystosis, caused by Pneumocystis jiroveci, is a significant opportunistic infection primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals.
  • Historically, Pneumocystis pneumonia was observed in premature infants and debilitated children, with nosocomial outbreaks documented in the mid-20th century.
  • While airborne transmission is known, evidence suggests potential transplacental transmission of P. jiroveci.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide evidence of in utero transmission of Pneumocystis jiroveci.
  • To highlight the potential for severe, fatal respiratory failure in neonates due to congenital pneumocystosis.
  • To discuss the implications of intrafamilial infection and intrauterine transmission risks.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of generalized pneumocystosis in an infant with suspected intrauterine infection.
  • Detection of Pneumocystis jiroveci in autopsy material and placental tissue.
  • Identification of serological markers in the parents to support intrafamilial transmission.

Main Results:

  • The study presents a case of generalized pneumocystosis in an infant, strongly suggesting intrauterine infection.
  • Pathogen detection in autopsy samples and placenta, alongside parental serological markers, supports congenital transmission.
  • The findings indicate that unrecognized congenital pneumocystosis can be fatal due to severe respiratory failure.

Conclusions:

  • Pneumocystis jiroveci can infect the fetus in utero, leading to severe neonatal disease.
  • Physicians must be aware of congenital pneumocystosis, as it can be fatal if not recognized.
  • The risk of intrafamilial and intrauterine transmission of P. jiroveci warrants further investigation and clinical vigilance.

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