Pneumocystosis: a network survey in the Paris area 2003-2008

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2011 May;30(5):673-5. doi: 10.1007/s10096-010-1139-0. Epub 2011 Jan 13.

Abstract

The aims of this network group were to collect epidemiological data of PcP cases in 14 hospitals in the Paris area and to determine the Di-Hydro Pteroate Synthase (DHPS) genotypes, genetic markers for possible sulfamide resistance. From January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2008, 993 (mean 166/year) PcP cases have been reported. Sixty-five percent of patients were HIV-positive. The median count of CD4 lymphocytes was 32/mm(3) (30 in HIV-positive patients, 152 in HIV-negative patients). In HIV-positive patients, PcP revealed the HIV infection in 39%. Among 304 PcP occurring in HIV known infected patients, no prophylaxis was prescribed for 64%; cotrimoxazole prophylaxis had been prescribed to 47 patients but only one of them had the right compliance. In HIV-negative patients (264), corticosteroids were prescribed in 59% and cytotoxic chemotherapies in 34%; 78% did not receive prophylaxis. One hundred sixty nine tumoral pathologies and 116 transplantations were notified. The mortality rate was 16% at day 14 (13% in HIV-positive patients, 26% in HIV-negative patients). Mutations in DHPS genes were detected in 18.5% of samples; 12.5% of patients were infected with several strains. The total annual number of cases has been stable for five years but the proportion of HIV-negative patients increased from 25% to 43%.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / administration & dosage
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • Comorbidity
  • Dihydropteroate Synthase / genetics
  • Drug Resistance, Fungal
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • Hospitals
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Paris / epidemiology
  • Pneumocystis carinii / classification
  • Pneumocystis carinii / drug effects
  • Pneumocystis carinii / genetics
  • Pneumocystis carinii / isolation & purification*
  • Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / epidemiology*
  • Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / microbiology
  • Sulfanilamides / pharmacology
  • Transplantation

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Sulfanilamides
  • Dihydropteroate Synthase