Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Science Communicator Platform

Stay connected! Follow us on X network (Twitter):
Share this content! On (X network) By
The Mycological and Molecular Study of Pneumocystis Jiroveci Pneumonia Among Hiv and Non-Hiv Immunocompromised Patients Hospitalized in Pulmonary Units in Guilan, Northern Iran Publisher



Rafat Z1, 2 ; Ashrafi K1 ; Hashemi SJ2, 3 ; Sasani E4 ; Naserani A1 ; Sarvestani HK2 ; Hashemi F5
Authors
Show Affiliations
Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
  2. 2. Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Food Microbiology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Department of Mycology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
  5. 5. Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Source: Iranian Journal of Microbiology Published:2021


Abstract

Background and Objectives: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is a serious infection that usually affects those with a weak immune system. Since the prevalence of this infection in Iran and in the world is not clearly defined, the present study aimed to evaluate the incidence, clinical spectrum, and demographic characteristics of PJP among HIV and non-HIV immunocompromised patients. Materials and Methods: Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) specimens were obtained from 3 groups of immunocompromised patients, including acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients, diabetic patients, and patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies. All were hospitalized in pulmonary units. The specimens were examined using microscopic methods (Giemsa and calcofluor white staining) and the nested-PCR technique based on mtLSU-rRNA gene. Results: A total of 120 BAL samples were collected. From 12.5% (5 from 40) of HIV-infected patients, 5% (2 from 40) of patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies, and 2.5% (1 from 40) of diabetic patients Pneumocystis jiroveci was isolated. There was not any association between the prevalence of PJP and the patient's gender (p= 0.557) and age (p= 0.681). Fever and dyspnea (n=7, 87.5%), nonproductive cough and abnormal auscultation sound (n=5, 62.5%), and also chills and weight loss (n=2, 25%) were the documented clinical symptoms of PJP. Also, the results showed that none of the samples had positive results for P. jiroveci with microscopic tests while using the nested-PCR method 8 samples had positive results. Conclusion: Since PJP often causes symptoms that are similar to other illnesses, such as the flu or tuberculosis, clinical and laboratory findings should be used simultaneously for making the final decision on drug administration. © 2021 The Authors. Published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
Other Related Docs
9. Isolation of Candida Species on Human Mucosal Surfaces, New Zealand Journal of Medical Laboratory Science (2021)