Prevention and treatment of pneumocystis pneumonia
Article Abstract:
The prevention and treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) has become increasingly important since the 1980s. The incidence of PCP was rare before 1980, but it has increased significantly as a result of the AIDS epidemic and the increase in other immunosuppressive disorders or conditions. Pneumocystis carinii, the organism that causes PCP, was first identified in 1909 and has characteristics in common with both protozoa and fungi. It is difficult to grow in the laboratory which has made it difficult to develop drugs to treat PCP. The drugs that have been developed to treat PCP interfere with different biochemical processes in the organism. These drugs may cause side effects in some patients. Patients with PCP often undergo simultaneous treatment with other drugs to control inflammation. Patients with immunosuppressive conditions such as HIV infection may undergo long-term treatment with drugs to prevent PCP.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1992
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Ganciclovir
Article Abstract:
Ganciclovir is very effective in treating cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in people with suppressed immune systems. It is effective in preventing blindness in AIDS patients with CMV infections of the retina. It can be given intravenously or orally and can be injected directly into the eye. It can also be effective in treating CMV infections of the gastrointestinal tract, lungs and nervous system. The drug can also be used to prevent CMV infections. Ganciclovir can be toxic to bone marrow and can cause anemia as well as reduced levels of white blood cells and platelets.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1996
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