What is the preferred regimen for primary prophylaxis of Pneumocystis pneumonia?

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is the recommended prophylactic agent for PCP (AI). One double-strength TMP-SMX tablet daily is the preferred regimen (AI), but one single-strength tablet daily45 is also effective and may be better tolerated than the double-strength tablet (AI).

What drug do you give for pneumocystis carinii?

The medicine most commonly used to prevent PCP is called trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), which is also known as co-trimoxazole and by several different brand names, including Bactrim, Septra, and Cotrim.

How is PJP treated?

Treatment of PJP – General Considerations While officially classified as a fungal pneumonia, P jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) does not respond to antifungal treatment. The treatment of choice is TMP-SMX, with second-line agents including pentamidine, dapsone (often in combination with pyrimethamine), or atovaquone.

What is the recommended medication for the treatment of choice for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia?

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is the drug of choice for pneumocystis. TMP-SMX is made up of two antimicrobial agents that act synergistically against a wide variety of bacteria.

Is Pneumocystis carinii primary or secondary?

Pneumocystis carinii is an important opportun- istic pathogen in patients with poor T lym- phocyte function as a result of either primary or secondary immunodeficiency.

What are the symptoms of Pneumocystis pneumonia?

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is an infection in 1 or both of the lungs caused by a fungus. A weak immune system puts a person at risk for PCP. The most common symptoms of PCP are sudden start of fever, cough, trouble breathing that often gets worse with activity, dry cough with little or no mucus, and chest discomfort.

Which is a serious side effects of drug therapy for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia?

The side effects of TMP-SMX are generally those of sulfa drug allergy: rash (in 19% of patients; this includes Stevens-Johnson syndrome), fever in 19% of patients, transaminase level elevation, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, erythema multiforme exudativum, and nephrotoxicity (48).

Is PJP curable?

PJP infection can be serious, but many people can be treated at home with antibiotics such as Bactrim (trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole). There are also different alternative therapies such as atovaquone, dapsone, primaquine w/ clindamycin, and pentamidine.

How do you detect Pneumocystis Jirovecii?

Pneumocystis carinii, an extracellular protozoan, has been observed in three forms. Diagnosis requires identification of P carinii in lung tissue, obtained by invasive techniques, or in lower airway fluids. Experimental studies have shown that the organism can be transmitted by inhalation.

Who needs PJP prophylaxis?

The benefit of prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is well documented in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with HIV and/or AIDS; therefore, guidelines dictate this as standard of care.

Is pneumocystis pneumonia airborne?

Pneumocystis carinii organisms constitute a large group of heterogeneous atypical microscopic fungi that are able to infect immunocompromised mammals by an airborne route and to proliferate in their lungs, inducing Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.

What can happen if pneumocystis pneumonia is not treated?

PCP takes advantage of your weak immune system to attack your lungs. If not treated right away, PCP can be severe and even fatal.