An infection of the lungs caused by, a type of protozoa. Pneumocystis pneumonia is an opportunistic infection that is dangerous only to people with impaired resistance to infection. It is particularly common in those with AIDS. Symptoms include fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath lasting weeks to months. Diagnosis is made by examination of sputum or a lung biopsy. High doses of antibiotic drugs (commonly cotrimoxazole) may eradicate the infection; they may also be used over the long term to prevent infection in those people at increased risk.
Pneumocystis pneumonia |
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