Clinical Profile of Pneumocystis jirovecii Infection - A Comparative Study.

OBJECTIVES

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) can differ in HIV and non HIV population due to degree of immunity. This study was undertaken with an aim to highlight the differences between the two groups.

METHODS

It was an observational study conducted in the department of Medicine of a tertiary care institution in North India. All cases tested positive for Pneumocystis jirovecii from January 2009 to December 2014 were included in the study. Demographic profile, clinical presentation, risk factors, treatment and course in hospital were noted and analyzed.

RESULTS

Among the 42 patients who had PCP, 13 (30.9%) patients were HIV positive and 29 (69%) were HIV negative.Cough was seen maximum in 10(79.3%) patients in HIV group compared to non HIV whereas fever and breathlessness predominated in the non HIV group. The outcome was better in the non HIV group compared to the HIV group which was 16 (55.2%) versus 6 (46.1%) patients respectively.

CONCLUSION

Clinical presentation differed slightly in both these groups. Difference in the outcome was also noted, however, larger numbers may be required to show the difference. It may form the basis of further research. The study successfully compared the presentation and outcome of PCP in the two groups.