Pneumocystis Carinii

Pneumocystis Carinii

·        Protozoan parasite probably part of normal respiratory flora

·        Causes interstitial pneumonitis in immuno-compromised patients (transplant, leukaemia, AIDS)

·        Diagnosis: Bronchial lavage or open lung biopsy

·        Treatment: Cotrimoxazole (alternatively pentamidine).  Relapse in 25%