Overview
Pneumocystosis is an infection of the lungs caused by the microorganism Pneumocystis carinii. Pneumocystosis is almost exclusively seen in individuals whose immune systems have been compromised by AIDS or chemotherapy. Pneumocystosis is usually a terminal event in AIDS patients.
Review Date 12/31/2023
Updated by: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.