Diagnostik und resistenztestung bei Pneumocystis jirovecii

Abstract

The fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii (P. jirovecii) causes Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP) in immunosuppressed patients, most frequently in HIV patients. More recently, the number of PCP cases in transplant patients and patients with immunosuppressive disorders or therapy has markedly increased. P. jirovecii is routinely diagnosed using different staining methods, which are less sensitive than molecular approaches. Using PCR-based methods, the sensitivity exceeds 95%. Distinct PCR methods may also be used for resistance testing or the detection of transmission routes between patients. © 2008 by Walter de Gruyter.