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Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Pneumocystis jirovecii infection in patients with acute interstitial pneumonia
M T Martínez-Rísquez1, V Friaza2, C de la Horra2
1Departamento de Medicina Interna, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe, Bormujos, Sevilla, España.
Objective:
Acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP) is a severe disease of unknown etiology. Pneumocystis jirovecii is an atypical opportunistic fungus able to colonize patients with chronic pulmonary disease and inducing alveolar macrophage activation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible association between Pneumocystis jirovecii and AIP.
Subjects And Methods:
The presence of P. jirovecii in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in the four confirmed cases of AIP identified in a tertiary-care hospital over a period of nine years was studied using a 2-step nested-PCR protocol assay.
Results:
P. jirovecii was identified in the four cases. None of them had HIV infection. Two of the patients were treated empirically with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, the only survivor was being one of them.
Conclusions:
Our data suggest that Pneumocystis could trigger or favor the development of AIP. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of the pathogen in the physiopathology of this disease.
Insights
Pneumocystis jirovecii may trigger acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP). This opportunistic fungus was found in all AIP cases studied, suggesting a potential role in disease development. Further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care
Background:
- Acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP) is a severe lung disease with an unknown cause.
- Pneumocystis jirovecii is an opportunistic fungus that can infect individuals with compromised lung health, activating immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential association between Pneumocystis jirovecii and the development of acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP).
Main Methods:
- A 2-step nested-PCR assay was employed to detect Pneumocystis jirovecii.
- Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from four confirmed AIP cases over nine years was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Pneumocystis jirovecii was detected in all four AIP cases.
- None of the patients had HIV infection.
- Empirical treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in two patients resulted in one survivor.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest Pneumocystis jirovecii may play a role in triggering or promoting AIP.
- Additional research is necessary to elucidate the pathogen's specific role in AIP pathophysiology.
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