pneumocystosis

pneu·mo·cys·to·sis (nm-s-stss)

n.

Pneumonia that results from infection with Pneumocystis carinii, occurs frequently among immunologically compromised individuals, and is characterized by alveoli filled with a network of acidophilic material that enmeshes the organisms. Also called interstitial plasma cell pneumonia.

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Pneumocystosis

Another name for active PCP infection.

Mentioned in: Pneumocystis Pneumonia

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pneumocystosis

[no̅o̅′mōsistō′sis]

Etymology: Gk, pneuma, air, kystis, bag, osis, condition

infection with the fungus Pneumocystis jiroveci, usually seen in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection; premature, malnourished infants; or debilitated or immunosuppressed people, particularly those with hematologic malignancies. It is characterized by fever, cough, tachypnea, and frequently cyanosis. The diagnosis is difficult to make and usually requires obtaining a specimen by an induced sputum procedure or bronchoalveolar lavage and special staining techniques. Mortality rates are near 100% in untreated patients. Treatment with pentamidine isethionate or a combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, trimetrexate plus folic acid, trimethoprim plus dapsone, atovaquone, or primaquine plus clindamycin is effective. Patients at risk should receive prophylaxis against acute infection. Also called interstitial plasma cell pneumonia.

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pneumocystosis

1. pneumonia characterized by interstitial accumulation of plasma cells.

2. pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis carinii infection; usually latent or sucbclinical except in immunocompromised humans, dogs, cats, pigs, horses, goats, primates, rabbits.