Abstract
Issues related to the epidemiology, transmission, and reactivation of Pneumocystis carinii remain controversial. In this article, current studies related to geographic variations in the prevalence of P carinii pneumonia are reviewed. In addition, extensive investigations show that exposure to P carinii occurs early in life, followed by seemingly complete clearance of the organisms. Recent molecular techniques show that P carinii pneumonia during periods of immune suppression can occur either by reactivation or by acquisition of new organisms. These studies are analyzed and a composite model of P carinii infection is proposed.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 283-288 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Seminars in Respiratory Infections |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| State | Published - 1998 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
- Microbiology (medical)