Title Pneumocystis jirovecii and cystic fibrosis
Authors Calderon, Enrique J. , Friaza, Vicente , Dapena, Francisco J. , DE LA HORRA PADILLA, CARMEN
External publication Si
Means MEDICAL MYCOLOGY
Scope Article
Nature Científica
JCR Quartile 1
SJR Quartile 1
JCR Impact 2.329
SJR Impact 0.916
Publication date 01/01/2010
ISI 000284075900004
DOI 10.3109/13693786.2010.505205
Abstract Pneumocystis jirovecii is an atypical opportunistic fungus with lung tropism and worldwide distribution that causes pneumonia in immunosuppressed individuals. The development of sensitive molecular techniques has led to the recognition of a colonization or carrier state of P. jirovecii, in which low levels of the organism are detected in persons who do not have pneumonia. Pneumocystis colonization has been described in individuals with various lung diseases, and accumulating evidence suggests that it may be a relevant issue with potential clinical impact. Only a few published studies carried out in Europe have evaluated the prevalence of Pneumocystis colonization in patients with cystic fibrosis, reporting ranges from 1.3-21.6%. The evolution of P. jirovecii colonization in cystic fibrosis patients is largely unknown. In a longitudinal study, none of the colonized patients developed pneumonia during a 1-year follow-up. Since patients with cystic fibrosis could act as major reservoirs and sources of infection for susceptible individuals further research is thus warranted to assess the true scope of the problem and to design rational preventive strategies if necessary. Moreover, it\'s necessary to elucidate the role of P. jirovecii infection in the natural history of cystic fibrosis in order to improve the clinical management of this disease.
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