PNEUMOCYSTIS PNEUMONIA IN HIV-INFECTED PATIENTS: CLINICAL FEATURES, DIAGNOSTIC APPROACHES, AND TREATMENT METHODS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55640/Keywords:
HIV infection; Pneumocystis pneumonia; Opportunistic infections; Pneumocystis jirovecii; Diagnosis; Treatment; Antiretroviral therapyAbstract
Pneumocystis pneumonia is a severe opportunistic infection that continues to represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected patients, particularly in individuals with advanced immunosuppression. Despite the widespread use of antiretroviral therapy and prophylactic measures, pneumocystis pneumonia remains prevalent in settings with delayed HIV diagnosis and limited access to healthcare services. The disease is characterized by a subacute clinical course, progressive respiratory symptoms, and significant hypoxemia, which often lead to delayed diagnosis and poor outcomes.This review aimed to analyze the clinical features, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies for pneumocystis pneumonia in patients with HIV infection. A comprehensive review of the scientific literature published between 2005 and 2024 was conducted using international medical databases. Clinical manifestations, radiological findings, laboratory diagnostic methods, and therapeutic outcomes were systematically evaluated.
The findings indicate that pneumocystis pneumonia predominantly occurs in patients with CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts below 200 cells/µL. High-resolution computed tomography, polymerase chain reaction assays, and serum beta-D-glucan measurement significantly improve diagnostic accuracy. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole remains the first-line therapy, while adjunctive corticosteroid treatment reduces mortality in moderate to severe cases.
Early HIV diagnosis, timely initiation of antiretroviral therapy, and appropriate prophylaxis are essential for preventing pneumocystis pneumonia and improving patient outcomes. Strengthening diagnostic capacity and clinical awareness is crucial to reducing the global burden of this opportunistic infection.
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