Pneumocystis carinii: a historical perspective.

The emergence of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is traced from its origins as an obscure pulmonary pathogen to its place as a prominent cause of lung infection in patients who have acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Improvements in diagnosis and treatment have resulted in better care of patients with this infection. In addition, basic immunologic and molecular investigations have improved our understanding of the nature of this organism and continue to provide important questions for further research. This is a US government work. There are no restrictions on its use.