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Simultaneous Pneumocystis carinii and pneumococcal pneumonia in human immunodeficiency virus-infected children
A Glatman-Freedman1, J M Ewig, J Dobroszycki
1Department of Pediatrics, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA.
Insights
Simultaneous infections with Pneumocystis pneumonia and Streptococcus pneumoniae were observed in three children with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. This rare co-infection highlights potential challenges in managing pediatric AIDS patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in children presents unique challenges in opportunistic infections.
- Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a common AIDS-defining illness.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a frequent bacterial pathogen in immunocompromised individuals.
Observation:
- Three pediatric patients with AIDS presented with pneumonia.
- These patients were simultaneously infected with Pneumocystis jirovecii (causative agent of PCP) and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- One patient had received prior prophylactic treatment for PCP.
Findings:
- This is the first reported instance of concurrent Pneumocystis jirovecii and Streptococcus pneumoniae infections in pediatric AIDS patients.
- The coexistence of these two pathogens in the same respiratory illness was noted.
- The effectiveness of prior prophylactic treatment in this specific co-infection scenario is unclear.
Implications:
- This case series suggests a need to consider co-infections in pediatric AIDS patients presenting with pneumonia.
- Clinicians should be vigilant for concurrent bacterial and opportunistic fungal infections.
- Further research is warranted to understand the epidemiology and management of such co-infections in immunocompromised children.
Abstract:
Three children with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who had pneumonia develop were infected simultaneously with Pneumocystis carinïi and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Such coexistence has not been previously reported in children. One patient received prophylactic treatment against Pneumocystis carinïi before his illness.