Determining Pneumocystis jirovecii Colonisation from Infection Using PCR-Based Diagnostics in HIV-Negative Individuals.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia is increasingly diagnosed with highly sensitive PCR diagnostics in immunocompromised, HIV-negative individuals. We assessed the performance of our in-house quantitative PCR with the aim to optimise interpretation.

Methods

Retrospective audit of all positive P. jirovecii qPCRs on induced sputum or BAL fluid at a single centre from 2012 to 2023. Medical and laboratory records were analysed and people with HIV were excluded. Cases were categorised as colonisation, high-probability PCP or uncertain PCP infection against a clinical gold standard incorporating clinico-radiological data. Quantitative PCR assay targeting the 5s gene was utilised throughout the time period.

Results

Of the 82 positive qPCRs, 28 were cate

SUBMITTER: Watson AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10802892 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature