[Human reservoirs of Pneumocystis]

Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin. 2010 Jan;28(1):38-43. doi: 10.1016/j.eimc.2008.07.008. Epub 2009 Apr 29.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Pneumocystis jirovecii, the fungal agent that causes Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), is known to exclusively infect humans. Molecular studies have enabled detection of this fungus in individuals who have been colonized by P. jirovecii. Such colonization, found in several populations, seems to act as a human reservoir for the fungus. Various studies have reported mutations associated with sulfa resistance in P. jirovecii strains isolated from colonized patients, who can transmit the mutant genotype to PCP-susceptible individuals. The growing interest in P. jirovecii colonization may prompt the design of new prevention and management strategies for PCP.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / epidemiology
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / microbiology
  • Animals
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Carrier State / epidemiology*
  • Carrier State / microbiology
  • Disease Reservoirs / microbiology*
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Fungal / genetics
  • Forecasting
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Mammals / microbiology
  • Mutation, Missense
  • Pneumocystis carinii* / drug effects
  • Pneumocystis carinii* / genetics
  • Pneumocystis carinii* / isolation & purification
  • Pneumocystis carinii* / pathogenicity
  • Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / epidemiology*
  • Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / transmission
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents