Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 3, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancing Pathogen Detection and Disease Assessment in Real-Time Using M-ROSE
03:22

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

Published on: March 1, 2024

624

A Rare Case of Pneumocystis Pneumonia in HIV Patient on Glucocorticoid

Usama Rehman1, Khawlah Farhan2, Warda Shahnawaz3

  • 1Anaesthesia, Mayo Hospital, Lahore, PAK.

Cureus
|June 3, 2021
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) occurred in a patient using immunosuppressive drugs. Early diagnosis and treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole improved his respiratory condition.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is an opportunistic infection typically seen in immunocompromised individuals.
  • PCP in patients on immunosuppressive drugs, like glucocorticoids, is infrequently reported.
  • Glucocorticoid therapy can lead to significant immunosuppression, increasing the risk of opportunistic infections.

Observation:

  • A 49-year-old male presented with dyspnea, cough, and fever, initially suspected as interstitial pneumonia.
  • High-resolution CT revealed diffuse ground-glass haze and cystic lesions.
  • Despite initial treatment, the patient's condition worsened, prompting further investigation.

Findings:

  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing was reactive with a CD4+ count of 275 cells/mm³.
  • Bronchoalveolar lavage confirmed Pneumocystis jirovecii.
  • Elevated beta-D-glucan levels supported the diagnosis of PCP, linked to glucocorticoid use.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering PCP in patients on immunosuppressive therapy, even with moderate CD4+ counts.
  • Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and voriconazole) are crucial for patient recovery.
  • Physicians should be vigilant for opportunistic infections in patients receiving long-term glucocorticoid treatment.
Keywords:
glucocorticoidhivpneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia

More Related Videos

Processing of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid and Matched Blood for Alveolar Macrophage and CD4+ T-cell Immunophenotyping and HIV Reservoir Assessment07:21

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

21.7K
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

3.3K

Related Concept Videos

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...
444
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease01:22

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...
1.8K
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
1.4K
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...
454
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids01:26

COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids

Chronic obstructive pulmonary isease (COPD) involves a group of progressive lung disorders characterized by persistent airflow limitation and chronic respiratory symptoms. Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS), encompassing features of both asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a group of progressive lung disorders that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma. ACOS leads to complex clinical presentations that combine the inflammatory...
511
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:
548