Dilemmas in the prophylaxis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia has been the most common life-threatening opportunistic infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. With a better understanding of the natural history of HIV infection, however, we have come to realize that prophylaxis against P carinii can prevent the majority of such pneumonias. In this article, I focus on the rationale behind such prophylaxis, as well as the choices and dilemmas the clinician faces in deciding on the most appropriate therapy and when it should be instituted.
Glatt
A E
AE
Division of Infectious Diseases, Catholic Medical Center of Brooklyn and Queens, Inc, Jamaica, NY 11432.
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D000328:Adult; D002981:Clindamycin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003622:Dapsone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D011020:Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011319:Primaquine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011739:Pyrimethamine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D002981:Clindamycin; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; D003622:Dapsone; D011319:Primaquine; D011739:Pyrimethamine