Pneumocystis jirovecii (Pneumocystis pneumonia)

Pneumocystis jirovecii sometimes referred to as Pneumocystis carinii, is a fungus known to cause a severe lung infection called Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). PCP commonly affects individuals with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, or people taking immunosuppressive drugs. Symptoms of PCP can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. Treatment typically involves antifungal medications, such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, pentamidine, or dapsone.