Pneumocystis jiroveci is a fungus that causes Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) and primarily affects those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include shortness of breath, night sweats, and fever. Prevention involves reducing exposure and taking preventative medication. Treatment includes anti-pneumocystic medicine and steroids.
Pneumocystis jiroveci is a type of fungus responsible for Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). This mushroom was previously classified as Pneumocystis carinni. Once scientists determined that this mushroom was specific to humans, the name was changed.
The most common people who are susceptible to an infection caused by Pneumocystis jiroveci are those with damaged immune systems. This type of infection is grouped with many other opportunistic infections. People with healthy immune systems generally do not develop infections caused by this fungus. Otherwise healthy individuals have the fungus in their lungs, but the immune system has built up immunity to the fungi and the reactions that occur in someone with a weak immune system do not occur in a healthy individual.
Symptoms of Pneumocystis jiroveci include shortness of breath, night sweats, and fever. Other symptoms may include a nonproductive cough, weight loss, and a history of unexplained chest pain. Symptoms usually don’t appear immediately after exposure, and it can take several weeks to start showing.
Most research has shown that transmission of pneumocystis jiroveci is primarily airborne, but scientists aren’t sure where the fungi reside before spreading through the air. Once picked up by a human, the fungus settles in the lungs where it can thrive and reproduce. Symptoms occur as a reaction of the immune system and how it responds to exposure to the antigen.
Prevention efforts are vital, especially for people with compromised immune systems. Prevention of Pneumocystis jiroveci involves measures to reduce the chance of exposure, such as wearing a face mask and taking a preventative medication, such as sulfur-based antibiotics. Preventing airborne transmission isn’t always possible, and it’s a good idea to follow a doctor’s instructions to reduce the chance of developing pneumocystis pneumonia. Prescription medications can help prevent a person from being susceptible to the fungus.
In case of infection, treatment with pneumocystis jiroveci is possible. Although an infection occurs, it is not a bacterial infection. This form of pneumonia doesn’t respond to the type of antibiotics designed to kill bacteria. Another type of medication is prescribed, often in combination with other forms of medication.
To treat pneumonia caused by this fungus, an anti-pneumocystic medicine is prescribed. Doctors also typically prescribe some form of steroids to help prevent or reduce swelling and inflammation. Symptoms should disappear within four days of continuing treatment. The full treatment time is usually 21 days and all medications should be taken as directed. Treatment should not be stopped because the symptoms subside or disappear completely.
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