PNEUMOCYSTIS CARINII PNEUMONIA

(pcp) a life-threatening type of pneumonia believed to be caused by a protozoan. PCP is a common infection that can cause severe illness in immunocompromised people (especially those with CD4 counts less than 200 cells/mm3); it remains a leading cause of death in people with AIDS. Symptoms include dry cough, fever, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Pneumocystis carinii can also infect other parts of the body. First-line treatment and primary prophylaxis is TMP-SMX (Bactrim, Septra); other treatments and prophylaxes include dapsone, pentamidine and atovaquone.