trimethoprim--sulfamethoxazole-drug-combination and Cytomegalovirus-Infections

We reviewed medical records of all patients (n = 4) who underwent facial composite tissue allotransplantation (FCTA) at our center between April 2009 and May 2011; data were censored in June 2012. We searched for FCTA publications and reviewed them for infectious complications and prophylaxis strategies. Three patients received full and one partial FCTA at our institution. Two recipients were cytomegalovirus (CMV) Donor (D)+/Recipient (R)- and two CMV D+/R+. Perioperative prophylaxis included vancomycin, cefazolin and micafungin and was adjusted based on peritransplant cultures. Additional prophylaxis included trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and valganciclovir. Two recipients developed surgical site infection and two developed pneumonia early after transplantation. Both CMV D+/R- recipients developed CMV disease after discontinuation of prophylaxis, recovered with valganciclovir treatment and did not experience subsequent rejection. Other posttransplant infections included bacterial parotitis, polymicrobial bacteremia, invasive dermatophyte infection and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. Nine publications described infectious complications in another 9 FCTA recipients. Early posttransplant infections were similar to those observed in our cohort and included pulmonary, surgical-site and catheter-associated infections. CMV was the most frequently described opportunist. In conclusion, infections following FCTA were related to anatomical, technical and donor/recipient factors. CMV disease occurred in D+/R- recipients after prophylaxis, but was not associated with rejection.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Infective Agents; Catheter-Related Infections; Cytomegalovirus; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Face; Female; Graft Rejection; Graft Survival; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pneumonia; Postoperative Complications; Prognosis; Surgical Wound Infection; Tissue Transplantation; Transplantation, Homologous; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Pediatric heart transplantation is a surgical therapy for dilated cardiomyopathy and for complex congenital heart defects with low pulmonary artery resistance. However, it is still discussed as controversial because of uncertain long-term results. We report our experience with pediatric heart transplantation in a heterogeneous population.. Since 1988, 50 heart transplants were performed in 47 patients (30 with dilated cardiomyopathy, 17 with congenital heart disease). Mean age was 9.4 +/- 6.9 years (range, 4 days to 17.9 years). Twenty-three patients had a total of 36 previous operations. Clinical outcome was evaluated retrospectively.. Perioperative mortality was 6% due to primary graft failure. Late mortality (12%) was caused by acute rejection (n = 2), pneumonia (n = 2), intracranial hemorrhage (n = 1), and suicide (n = 1). Mean follow-up was 5.24 +/- 3.6 years. Actuarial 1, 5, and 10 year survival was 86%, 86%, and 80% and improved significantly after 1995 (92% [1 year]; 92% [5 years]). There was no significant difference between patients with dilated or congenital heart disease (1 year: 86% vs 82%; 5 years: 83% vs 74%; 10 years 83% vs 74%; p = 0.62). Three patients with therapy resistant acute or chronic rejection and assisted circulation underwent retransplantation and are alive. Freedom from acute rejection after 5 years was 40% with primary cyclosporine immunosuppression regime and 56% with tacrolimus. Since the introduction of mycophenolate mofetil, freedom from acute rejection increased to 62%. All survivors are at home and in good cardiac condition.. Pediatric heart transplantation is the treatment of choice for end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy as for congenital heart disease with excellent clinical midterm results. It is a valid alternative to reconstructive surgery in borderline patients. However, further follow-up is necessary to evaluate the long-term side effects of immunosuppressants.

Topics: Adolescent; Antiviral Agents; Bacterial Infections; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated; Child; Child, Preschool; Cyclosporine; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Ganciclovir; Germany; Graft Rejection; Heart Defects, Congenital; Heart Failure; Heart Transplantation; Heart-Assist Devices; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Life Tables; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; Mycophenolic Acid; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Postoperative Complications; Reoperation; Retrospective Studies; Survival Analysis; Survival Rate; Tacrolimus; Treatment Outcome; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Vascular Resistance; Virus Diseases

Topics: 2-Aminopurine; Acyclovir; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-HIV Agents; Antifungal Agents; Antitubercular Agents; Antiviral Agents; Azithromycin; Chickenpox; Clarithromycin; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Drug Therapy, Combination; Famciclovir; Ganciclovir; Herpes Simplex; Humans; Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection; Mycoses; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Rifabutin; Toxoplasmosis; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary

Topics: Acyclovir; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Anti-HIV Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Antitubercular Agents; Antiviral Agents; Atovaquone; Azithromycin; Chickenpox; Clarithromycin; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Drug Therapy, Combination; Ganciclovir; Herpes Simplex; Humans; Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection; Naphthoquinones; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Rifabutin; Toxoplasmosis; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Valacyclovir; Valine

Topics: 2-Aminopurine; Acyclovir; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Anti-Infective Agents; Antifungal Agents; Antiprotozoal Agents; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Antitubercular Agents; Antiviral Agents; Atovaquone; Azithromycin; Clarithromycin; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Drug Therapy, Combination; Famciclovir; Herpes Simplex; Herpes Zoster; Humans; Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection; Mycoses; Naphthoquinones; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Toxoplasmosis; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Valacyclovir; Valine

Thanks to a simplification of surgical techniques, single or double lung transplants have expanded significantly in latter years. Infection remains an important cause for morbidity and mortality, more so in early rather than late stages. Bacterial infections cause approximately fifty per cent of all infections. They can be prevented in part by prophylaxis. Infections to CMV have become less frequent thanks to adequate prophylaxis with ganciclovir. Herpetic infections are prevented by acyclovir or ganciclovir. A better control of immunosuppression seems to be associated with fewer lymphoproliferative disorders secondary to the Epstein-Barr virus. Respiratory viruses remain a serious threat for these patients, although infections due to respiratory syncitial virus may be attenuated by ribavirine. Fungal infections are dangerous but prophylactic prescription of azole derivatives have reduced the incidence and severity. Prophylaxis of infections to Pneumocystis carinii is essential, the use of sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim is efficacious against this as well as nocardiosis. Infections to Mycobacterium tuberculosis are often atypical and should be looked for and anticipated whenever possible.

Topics: Acyclovir; Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Antifungal Agents; Antiviral Agents; Bacterial Infections; Chemoprevention; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Ganciclovir; Graft Survival; Heart-Lung Transplantation; Herpesviridae Infections; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Humans; Immunosuppression Therapy; Lung Transplantation; Lymphoproliferative Disorders; Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous; Nocardia Infections; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Ribavirin; Survival Rate; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Tumor Virus Infections; Virus Diseases

Topics: Albumins; Antibodies, Viral; Child, Preschool; Cimetidine; Cytomegalovirus; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Diet, Sodium-Restricted; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Diuretics; Gastric Mucosa; Gastritis, Hypertrophic; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Male; Ranitidine; Salmonella Infections; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Topics: Acyclovir; Combined Modality Therapy; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Foscarnet; Ganciclovir; Humans; Immunization, Passive; Liver Transplantation; Opportunistic Infections; Pentamidine; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Pneumonia, Viral; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Aerosols; Animals; Cryptococcosis; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Dapsone; Drug Combinations; Humans; Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection; Opportunistic Infections; Pentamidine; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Pyrimethamine; Sulfadoxine; Toxoplasma; Toxoplasmosis; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

A large number and variety of organisms can infect the lungs of persons with AIDS. An abnormal chest X-ray associated with pulmonary symptoms should trigger a vigorous search for an infectious agent. In many cases, if the patient is ambulatory, the workup can proceed on an outpatient basis. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is the most common infection and also one of the most readily treatable illnesses that these patients encounter. A careful and considered diagnostic approach is necessary to conserve the time and resources of both patients and healthcare providers.

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Ambulatory Care; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Humans; Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection; Mycoses; Opportunistic Infections; Pentamidine; Pneumonia; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Cryptococcosis; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Dapsone; Drug Combinations; Humans; Opportunistic Infections; Pentamidine; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Pyrimethamine; Sulfadoxine; Toxoplasmosis; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Aerosols; Animals; Cryptococcosis; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Dapsone; Drug Combinations; Humans; Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection; Opportunistic Infections; Pentamidine; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Pyrimethamine; Sulfadoxine; Toxoplasma; Toxoplasmosis; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

A double-blind placebo controlled trial of foscarnet was conducted in 32 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) antibody positive male homosexuals with a presumed AIDS pneumonia. The study was designed to evaluate the importance of treating cytomegalovirus (CMV) as a possible lung pathogen of these patients and as a toxicity study of foscarnet. Trial subjects were randomised to receive either foscarnet or placebo as a continuous intravenous infusion for 2 weeks along with conventional therapy against Pneumocystis carinii (PC) pneumonia. Bronchoscopy or post-mortem showed PC to be present in 24 patients and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid had early antigen foci of CMV in nine, five of these being double infections. The incidence of CMV infection in this group of patients was not sufficiently high to prove or disprove that treatment of CMV speeds recovery or improves prognosis in AIDS pneumonias. Overall however foscarnet was well tolerated with a slight increase in adverse reactions in the treated groups. This agent is therefore a relatively non-toxic drug to use in the treatment of established CMV disease.

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Antiviral Agents; Cytomegalovirus; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Double-Blind Method; Foscarnet; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Male; Phosphonoacetic Acid; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

To investigate the clinical features, early diagnosis, and treatment methods of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) after renal transplantation (RT).. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 80 patients with confirmed PJP who underwent RT between 2018 and 2021 in our hospital.. In the present study, the incidence of PJP was 6.2% (80/1300). A 50% of cases (40 out of 80 patients) had developed a PJP infection during the first 6 months after RT and 81.3% (65 out of 80 patients) within 12 months. The median onset time of PJP was 6.5 months after RT. The most common symptom was fever (73.8%), followed by progressive dyspnea (51.3%) and dry cough (31.3%). In the initial phase of PJP, the most frequent CT finding was the presence of diffuse ground-grass shadows. In all, 27.5%, 37.5%, and 35% patients were diagnosed by induced sputum metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), peripheral blood mNGS, and characteristic clinical diagnostic features, respectively. The median 1,3-β-D-glucan level was 500 pg/mL, while the median C-reactive protein level was 63.4 mg/L. In most patients (83.8%), the procalcitonin levels were negative. The mean serum creatinine level was 171.9 ± 87.4 μmol/L. Of the 80 patients, 37 (46.2%) had coexisting cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. All patients were treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and third generation cephalosporin to prevent bacterial infection. The methylprednisolone dose (40-120 mg/d) varied according to illness.. PJP usually occurs within 1 year after RT, typically within 6 months. Fever, dry cough, and progressive dyspnea are the most common clinical symptoms. PJP should be highly suspected if the patient has clinical symptoms and diffuse, patchy, ground-glass opacities on CT in both lungs after RT within 1 year. Peripheral blood or induced sputum mNGS is helpful for early diagnosis of PJP. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is still the first choice for the treatment of PJP. Combined use of caspofungin can reduce the dose and adverse reactions of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in theory.

Topics: Cough; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Dyspnea; Humans; Kidney Transplantation; Pneumocystis carinii; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Retrospective Studies; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is a life-threatening opportunistic infection. In non-HIV immunocompromised patients with PCP, a standard second-line treatment has not been established up to now.. Non-HIV immunocompromised patients with confirmed PCP between April 2013 and December 2020 were included. Their PCP treatment history was tracked. Factors related to first-line trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) and second-line treatment failure were identified. Different second-line treatment strategies were compared.. Among the 220 patients, 127 (57.73%) did not respond to first-line TMP/SMX treatment. Risk factors related to treatment failure included symptom triad with breathlessness at rest, persistent fever and cough (85% in the treatment failure group versus 74% in the treatment success group, P = 0.034), treatment with invasive mechanical ventilation (67 vs. 19%, P < 0.001), coinfection with CMV (69 vs. 47%, P = 0.035), and bacteremia (59 vs. 10%, P < 0.001). A total of 49 patients received second-line treatment on the basis of TMP/SMX, and 28 (57.1%) of them responded to the treatment. No clinical parameter, including selection of different therapies, was found to be significantly associated with second-line treatment failure. Further, the prognosis of different second-line therapies showed no drug or drug combination strategy superior to others. The primaquine group had lower 90-day mortality rate (45.9%) but showed no statistically significant difference compared with the non-primaquine group (64.6%). The patients in the clindamycin plus primaquine group had the lowest in-hospital mortality rate (22.2%, P = 0.042) among different second-line therapies, although the in-hospital mortality of the primaquine group was not significantly different from that of the non-primaquine group. The differences in 28 day mortality and overall mortality rates were not statistically significant, too.. CMV infection and bacteremia were risk factors significantly associated with treatment failure of TMP/SMX. The response and survival rates of second-line treatment, including clindamycin, primaquine, and caspofungin, were poor, maybe clindamycin plus primaquine as second line treatment was better than other treatment strategies. These results suggest that clinicians should carefully evaluate whether the treatment of TMP/SMX has failed due to a coinfection rather than hastily changing to a second-line drug when the patient worsens.

Topics: Bacteremia; Clindamycin; Coinfection; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Humans; Pneumocystis carinii; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Primaquine; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Failure; Treatment Outcome; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is an opportunistic infection among solid organ transplantation. The occurrence of PJP is dangerous and fatal if there is no early identification and sufficient treatment.. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors and provide appropriate strategies of prophylaxis and treatment for PJP after kidney transplantation in our centre.. From January 2009 to December 2018, a total of 167 kidney transplantation recipients with pneumonia were enrolled, including 47 PJP patients as PJP group and 120 non-PJP patients as control group. The clinical characteristics of the two groups were analysed retrospectively.. Multivariate analysis showed that high total dosage of ATG [OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.12-3.68] and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection were independent risk factors for PJP. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) (1.44 g q6h)-based treatment was used for 2 weeks, and its dosage and course were adjusted according to the therapeutic effect and side effects. Forty-five cases were recovered after 3 months of follow-up, and two patients died of respiratory failure. TMP-SMX (0.48 g/day) prophylaxis was used for 3-6 months and prolonged to 7-8 months after treatment for acute rejection, which reduced the incidence of PJP compared with those without prophylaxis.. Our study suggests that the high total dosage of ATG and CMV infection indicate the increased risk of PJP. The strategies of prophylaxis and treatment for PJP after kidney transplantation in our centre were effective.

Topics: Adult; Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Antilymphocyte Serum; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Female; Humans; Immunosuppression Therapy; Incidence; Kidney Transplantation; Male; Middle Aged; Opportunistic Infections; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Transplant Recipients; Treatment Outcome; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Opportunistic infection with multiple pathogens currently has become less uncommon since the application of immunosuppressant or corticosteroid in non- Human immunodeficiency virus patients. However, the clinical diagnosis of the co-infection remains difficult since the uncertainty and deficiency of the microbiologic testing methods.. A 66-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital with chest stuffiness, shortness of breath and elevated body temperature.. He was diagnosed with the co-infection of Pneumocystis jiroveci and cytomegalovirus by metagenomic next-generation sequencing of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid after bronchoscopy.. The patient was empirically treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole and ganciclovir in the beginning of the admission.. The condition of this patient was not improved even with the intervention at the early stage of the disease. His family requested discharge after 24 inpatient days.. This case highlights the application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in the clinical diagnosis of pulmonary co-infection. Suitable prophylaxis, necessary clinical awareness and accurate diagnosis are indispensable for immunocompromised patients with pulmonary infection.

Topics: Aged; Anti-Infective Agents; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Bronchoscopy; Coinfection; Cytomegalovirus; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Ganciclovir; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Humans; Male; Metagenomics; Methylprednisolone; Nephrotic Syndrome; Pneumocystis carinii; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

We report the case of a 61 year-old male who underwent heart transplantation eight months before developing a systemic condition with central nervous system, lung, kidney, colonic, cutaneous, and hematologic involvement, found to be secondary to a systemic toxoplasmosis despite co-trimoxazole prophylaxis in a previous-to-transplant seronegative patient receiving a heart from a seropositive donor. A review of prophylactic options in our environment is discussed.

Topics: Antibodies, Protozoan; Antiviral Agents; Combined Modality Therapy; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Disease Progression; Heart Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; Immunosuppressive Agents; Male; Middle Aged; Plasma Exchange; Postoperative Complications; Recurrence; Seroconversion; Tissue Donors; Toxoplasmosis; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Viremia

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a significant complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Our primary objective was to determine risk factors for the development of CDI during the first year following allo-HSCT.. A matched case-control study nested in a cohort of allo-HSCT at a single hospital in Montréal, Québec, Canada, was conducted from 2002 through 2011.. Sixty-five of 760 patients who underwent allo-HSCT between 2002 and 2011 developed CDI, representing an incidence of 8.6%. We selected 123 controls matched for year of transplant for risk factor analyses. In the multivariable analysis, receipt of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) prior to transplantation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02-0.27), mucositis (aOR 5.90, 95% CI 2.08-16.72), and reactivation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) (aOR 6.17, 95% CI 2.17-17.57) and of other Herpesviridae viruses (aOR 3.04, 95% CI 1.13-8.16) were the variables that remained statistically associated with CDI. High-risk antibiotic use in the late post-transplant period (aOR 7.63, 95% CI 2.14-27.22) was associated with development of late CDI.. This study revealed reactivation of CMV and other Herpesviridae viruses as novel risk factors for CDI. Administration of TMP-SMX prior to transplantation was independently associated with a decreased risk of CDI. Early and late CDI after HSCT may have distinct risk factors.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Case-Control Studies; Clostridioides difficile; Clostridium Infections; Cytomegalovirus; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Female; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Mucositis; Quebec; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Transplantation Conditioning; Transplantation, Homologous; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Virus Activation

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients becomes rare in the immediate posttransplantation period thanks to generalized prophylaxis. We aimed to identify the predictive factors for PCP in the era of universal prophylaxis and to propose a strategy for preventing PCP beyond the first year after transplantation. In a retrospective case-control study, 33 SOT cases with PCP diagnosed between 2004 and 2010 were matched with two controls each to identify risk factors for PCP by uni- and multivariate analysis. All the patients benefited from 6 months of posttransplantation trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis. Most PCP in SOT patients occurred during the second year posttransplantation (33%). By univariate analysis, age, nonuse of tacrolimus, total and CD4 lymphocyte counts, gamma-globulin concentration and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection appeared to be PCP risk factors. In the final multivariate analysis, age (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-10.4), CMV infection (OR: 5.2, 95% CI: 1.8-14.7) and total lymphocyte count (OR: 3.9, 95% CI: 1.4-10.7) were found to be independently associated with PCP. The second year posttransplantation appeared to be the new period of highest risk of PCP. Age, CMV viremia and lymphocytes were the most pertinent predictive criteria to evaluate the risk of PCP in clinical practice.

Topics: Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Antifungal Agents; Case-Control Studies; Cytomegalovirus; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Graft Rejection; Graft Survival; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Male; Middle Aged; Organ Transplantation; Pneumocystis carinii; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Postoperative Complications; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Tissue Donors; Transplant Recipients; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is an important cause of hospitalization and mortality in HIV-infected children. However, the incidence of PCP has been underestimated due to poor sensitivity of diagnostic tests. The use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for pneumocystis has enabled more reliable diagnosis. This study describes the incidence, clinical features and outcome of PCP in South African children diagnosed using PCR.. A prospective study of children hospitalised in South Africa with suspected PCP was done from November 2006 to August 2008. Clinical, laboratory and radiological information were collected. Lower respiratory tract specimens were obtained for PCP immunofluorescence (IF), real- time PCR for pneumocystis, bacterial and mycobacterial culture. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were taken for immunofluorescence (IF), real-time PCR for pneumocystis and PCR for respiratory viruses. A blood specimen for bacterial culture and for cytomegalovirus PCR was taken. Children were followed for the duration of their hospitalisation and the outcome was recorded.. 202 children [median (interquartile range, IQR) age 3.2 (2.1- 4.6) months] were enrolled; 124 (61.4%) were HIV infected. PCP was identified in 109 (54%) children using PCR, compared to 43 (21%) using IF and Grocott staining (p < 0.0001). Most PCP cases (88, 81%) occurred in HIV-infected children. All 21 cases (19%) occurring in HIV- negative children had another risk factor for PCP. On logistic regression, predictive factors for PCP were HIV infection, lack of fever, high respiratory rate and low oxygen saturation whilst cotrimoxazole prophylaxis was protective (OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.1 to 0.5; p < 0.002). The case fatality of children with PCP was higher than those without PCP (32.1% versus 17.2%; relative risk 1.87; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11 - 3.15). Amongst HIV-infected children, a CD4 less than 15% was the only independent predictor of mortality.. The diagnostic yield for PCP is more than 2.5 times higher on PCR than other detection methods. PCP is a very common cause of severe hypoxic pneumonia and is associated with high mortality in HIV-infected African infants.

Topics: AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Female; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; HIV Seronegativity; Humans; Incidence; Infant; Male; Nasopharynx; Oxygen; Pneumocystis; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Pneumonia, Viral; Predictive Value of Tests; Prednisone; Prospective Studies; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Risk Factors; South Africa; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

An association between herpes virus reactivations and Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) is accepted. We report six cases of DRESS with viral reactivation occurring within a single 1-month period. We attempted to find a common factor for these six cases and carried out clinical and virological examinations. Before and after this "epidemic", the mean number of cases of DRESS seen at the same centre was one per quarter, making the occurrence of six cases within a single month all the more remarkable and prompting us to seek an explanation.. All six patients had taken a partly causative medication from different drug classes three to six weeks prior to the start of symptoms and herpes virus was detected in the blood of all of these subjects at the time of DRESS onset (four reactivations and two primary infections), and one patient subsequently displayed herpetic meningoencephalitis 95 days after the initial episode, associated with recurrence of DRESS.. There was no common denominator among these six DRESS patients in terms of either drug class or reactivation of a particular type of herpes virus, which raises the possibility of a single unidentified environmental agent. DRESS does not appear fully explainable in terms of a cellular response to drug antigens but seems rather to result from complex interactions between the drug-induced immune response, viral reactivation and antiviral immune response. Several investigators have reported sequential reactivation of herpes viruses in DRESS. A viral epidemic could thus cause a "DRESS epidemic" in patients on medication.. These cases point to the possible existence of a shared initial environmental factor (infectious or not) that favours reactivation of herpes viruses and induces DRESS in patients on medication. Before and after this "DRESS epidemic", about one patient each quarter was admitted to hospital for DRESS.

Topics: Acute Kidney Injury; Adult; Aged; Allopurinol; Amoxicillin; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Carbamazepine; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Cytomegalovirus; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Disease Outbreaks; Drug Eruptions; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; Female; France; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Herpesvirus 6, Human; Herpesvirus 7, Human; Humans; Hypereosinophilic Syndrome; Imidazoles; Immunocompromised Host; Male; Middle Aged; Models, Biological; Roseolovirus Infections; Seasons; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Virus Activation

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection represent possible complications of medical immunosuppression. Between 2005 and 2010, non-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) PCP patients admitted to a nephrology unit were analyzed for outcome, CMV comorbidity, and patient-to-patient contacts prior to PCP. In contrast to 2002-2004 (no cases) and 2008-2010 (10 cases), a PCP outbreak of 29 kidney-transplant recipients and one patient with anti-glomerular basement membrane disease occurred between 2005 and 2007. None of the patients were on PCP chemoprophylaxis. In four PCP patients, the genotyping data of bronchoalveolar lavage specimen showed an identical Pneumocystis strain. PCP cases had a higher incidence of CMV infection (12 of 30 PCP patients) and CMV disease (four patients) when compared to matched PCP-free controls (p < 0.05). Cotrimoxazole and, if applicable, ganciclovir were started 2.0 ± 4.0 days following admission, and immunosuppressive medication was reduced. In-hospital mortality was 10% and the three-year mortality was 20%. CMV co-infection did not affect mortality. CMV co-infection more frequently occurred during a cluster outbreak of non-HIV PCP in comparison to PCP-free controls. Here, CMV awareness and specific therapy of both CMV infection and PCP led to a comparatively favorable patient outcome. The role of patient isolation should be further investigated in incident non-HIV PCP.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Antifungal Agents; Antiviral Agents; Case-Control Studies; Coinfection; Cross Infection; Cytomegalovirus; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Disease Outbreaks; Female; Ganciclovir; Genotype; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Kidney Transplantation; Male; Middle Aged; Molecular Typing; Mycological Typing Techniques; Pneumocystis carinii; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are at risk for Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), especially in the first year post transplant. Although trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) prophylaxis substantially decreases this risk, there is little data or consensus on optimal duration of prophylaxis. Consequently, there is lack of standardization of prophylaxis duration (3 months to lifelong, depending on organ group) in SOT programs.. We performed a retrospective chart review of all cases of confirmed PCP, in adult kidney, pancreas, liver, and lung transplant recipients from 2001 to 2011 in our SOT program.. Of 1241 patients followed in our clinic (657 kidney, 44 kidney/pancreas, 436 liver, and 104 lung or heart/lung), a total of 14 PCP cases were identified in 2 kidney, 1 kidney/pancreas, 5 liver, 5 single lung, and 1 heart/lung transplant recipient. At the time of PCP diagnosis, immunosuppression in most cases consisted of prednisone, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil (79% of patients), and 53% had previously received TMP-SMX for prophylaxis. None were on PCP prophylaxis at the time of illness onset. PCP occurred early in all 5 liver transplant recipients and in 1 kidney transplant recipient, none of whom had ever received prophylaxis (17-204 days post transplant). Of those who had received 6 months of prophylaxis (1 kidney, 1 kidney/pancreas), PCP occurred at 846 and 4778 days, respectively. Late onset PCP occurred in lung recipients who had received 12 months of prophylaxis (lung 645-1414 days, heart/lung 1583 days post transplant). Five patients had experienced acute rejection and 6 patients had cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia on average 59 and 204 days preceding PCP, respectively. Three deaths (1 liver, 2 lung) were thought to be directly related to complications of PCP.. Our experience with late PCP cases in lung transplant recipients receiving only 1 year of prophylaxis lends support to prolonged PCP prophylaxis in this group. Given the number of patients who had experienced an acute rejection episode or CMV disease preceding PCP in non-lung SOT recipients, consideration should be given to re-institution of PCP prophylaxis for a period of time after these events in kidney, kidney/pancreas, and liver transplant recipients.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Chemoprevention; Cytomegalovirus; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Female; Humans; Immunosuppression Therapy; Immunosuppressive Agents; Male; Middle Aged; Organ Transplantation; Pneumocystis carinii; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Time Factors; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Young Adult

Risk stratification-based duration of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) chemoprophylaxis to prevent Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in kidney transplant recipients is not a universally adapted strategy and supporting evidence-based sources are limited. We performed a large retrospective study to identify risk factors for PCP in kidney transplant recipients and to define parameters for use in clinical prophylaxis guidelines. Fifty consecutive patients with confirmed PCP and 2 time-matched controls per case were enrolled. All patients were participants of the kidney transplantation program of the Leiden University Medical Center, a tertiary care hospital in the Netherlands. Potential risk factors were compared between groups by uni- and multivariate matched analyses. At transplantation, age >55 years (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-5.9) and not receiving basiliximab induction therapy (adjusted OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.1-17.1) predicted development of PCP. In the final multivariate analysis, only cytomegalovirus infection (adjusted OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.2-7.9) and rejection treatment (adjusted OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.9-18) were found to be independently associated with PCP. Using the variables identified by the multivariate analyses, effects of different hypothetical chemoprophylaxis strategies were systematically evaluated. Exploring different scenarios showed that chemoprophylaxis in the first 6 months for all renal transplant patients - and during the first year posttransplantation for patients >55 years of age or those treated for rejection - would result in very low PCP incidence and optimal avoidance of TMP-SMX toxicity. The results provide a rationale for further prospective study on targeted provision of chemoprophylaxis to prevent PCP in kidney transplant patients.

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Basiliximab; Cohort Studies; Cytomegalovirus; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Female; Graft Rejection; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney Transplantation; Male; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Pneumocystis carinii; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Postoperative Complications; Recombinant Fusion Proteins; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Pneumocystis jivorecii (formerly known as carinii) pneumonia (PCP) is potentially a life-threatening opportunistic infection after organ transplantation, occurring most frequently in the first 12 months, where the incidence rate is several-fold higher than in later years. PCP typically presents with fever, cough, dyspnoea and hypoxia. In organ transplant recipients, the onset of symptoms is generally more fulminant compared to patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. We present a patient who developed PCP five years after a renal transplantation. His presentation was characterised by atypical symptoms and an indolent onset. Previous acute vascular rejection, ongoing maintenance prednisolone usage, cytomegalovirus seropositivity and past tuberculous infection may have predisposed this patient to PCP.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; Bronchoscopy; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Graft Rejection; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney Transplantation; Male; Middle Aged; Pleural Effusion; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Prednisolone; Radiography, Thoracic; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary

Solid-organ transplant (SOT) recipients are classically considered to be at increased risk for listeriosis. However, risk factors for this infection have not been assessed.. We carried out a multicenter, matched case-control study (1:2 ratio) from January 1995 through December 2007. Control subjects were matched for center, transplant type, and timing. Conditional logistic regression was performed to identify independent risk factors. Clinical features and outcomes for all case patients were reviewed.. Thirty patients (0.12%) with cases of listeriosis were identified among 25,997 SOT recipients at 15 Spanish transplant centers. In a comparison of case patients with 60 matched control subjects, the following independent risk factors for listeriosis were identified: diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR], 5.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-19.6; ), P = .007 history of cytomegalovirus infection or disease within the preceding 6 months (OR, 35.9; 95% CI, 2.1-620; P = .014), receipt of high-dose prednisone within the preceding 6 months (OR, 6.2; 95% CI, 1.8-21.1; P = .003), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) prophylaxis (OR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.006-0.76; P = .029). Twenty-six patients (86.7%) had bacteremia, and 7 had shock at presentation. Other manifestations included meningoencephalitis (10 cases), spontaneous peritonitis (2), pleural empyema (1), brain abscesses (1), and liver abscesses (1). The 30-day mortality rate was 26.7% (8 of 30 patients died).. Listeriosis in SOT recipients is uncommon but causes high mortality. Diabetes mellitus, cytomegalovirus infection or disease, and receipt of high-dose steroids are independent risk factors for this infection, whereas TMP-SMZ prophylaxis is a protective factor.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Case-Control Studies; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Diabetes Complications; Female; Humans; Listeriosis; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Steroids; Transplants; Treatment Outcome; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Young Adult

Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia is a classic opportunist infection affecting AIDS patients. However it is less frequent since systematic prophylaxis and antiretroviral therapies. Treatment resistance is rare in France. We report the case of a severe Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia with treatment resistance to standard treatment and fatal outcome. The different causes of treatment resistance, notably the role of CMV co-infection, were reviewed and discussed.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Fatal Outcome; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pneumocystis carinii; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

We describe a fatal case of haemolytic uraemic syndrome in a young woman with AIDS, and disseminated adenovirus (ADV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) co-infection. We hypothesize that ADV/CMV co-infection may have a causative role in this clinical picture.

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Acute Kidney Injury; Adenovirus Infections, Human; Colitis; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Enteritis; Fatal Outcome; Female; Foscarnet; Ganciclovir; Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome; Humans; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Topics: 2-Aminopurine; Alemtuzumab; Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; Antibodies, Neoplasm; Antigens, CD; Antigens, Neoplasm; Antineoplastic Agents; Bone Marrow Transplantation; CD52 Antigen; Clinical Trials as Topic; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Disease Susceptibility; Famciclovir; Ganciclovir; Glycoproteins; Graft vs Host Disease; Humans; Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes; Immunosuppressive Agents; Incidence; Infections; Lymphoproliferative Disorders; Opportunistic Infections; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Rituximab; Transplantation Conditioning; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Viremia; Virus Activation

Pneumocystis carinii infection is rare in infants, and raises strong concerns of immune deficiency. This report describes the unusual case of a male infant with concurrent chest infections caused by P carinii and cytomegalovirus. Investigation was complicated by the strong suspicion of non-accidental injury, including subdural haematomas. The case illustrates how to investigate for possible immunodeficiency. Low immune function tests at presentation slowly improved and have remained normal on longterm follow up. Possible explanations for the transient severe clinical immunodeficiency in this case are discussed.

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antiviral Agents; Child Abuse; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Ganciclovir; Hematoma, Subdural; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Infant; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Male; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Rib Fractures; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

HIV-associated infections in sub-Saharan Africa differ markedly in their incidence from those in industrialized countries. Tuberculosis is the commonest cause of morbidity and mortality. Enteric pathogens such as microsporidiosis commonly cause disease as access to safe water is limited. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, which is the commonest opportunistic infection in industrialized countries, is uncommon in adults with HIV infection. This remains unexplained because P. carinii pneumonia is common in Black African HIV-infected children. Cytomegalovirus and Mycobacterium avium complex, which only occur in severely immune-suppressed individuals, are seldom found. One reason may be that survival after conversion to AIDS is relatively short in Africa. Patients often die before they develop severe immune suppression. Recently, prophylactic cotrimoxazole treatment was shown to be effective in symptomatic HIV-infected adults in Africa. Tuberculosis preventive therapy is also effective in Africa, at least in the medium term. It is hoped that these two affordable interventions will become available to large numbers of patients identified in voluntary counselling and testing centres.

Topics: Adult; Africa; Africa South of the Sahara; AIDS Serodiagnosis; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Anti-Infective Agents; Antitubercular Agents; Black People; Child; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Developed Countries; Developing Countries; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Incidence; Microsporidiosis; Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Survival Rate; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Tuberculosis

A 46-year-old woman developed concurrent CMV and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) 140 days after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (APBSCT) for AML. She was seropositive for CMV before undergoing APBSCT and had required prednisone for immune thrombocytopenia and allergic dermatitis for 9 weeks prior to the onset of pneumonia. She had also been receiving PCP prophylaxis with pentamidine aerosol every month for 3 months before developing symptoms. The pneumonia was complicated by severe hypoxia, requiring ventilator support and pneumothorax requiring chest tube thoracostomy. She recovered following treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), prednisone, gancyclovir and intravenous immunoglobulin. Although the overall incidence of severe CMV disease is low after APBSCT, preventive measures such as surveillance culture and secondary prophylaxis with gancyclovir may be warranted in patients whose cellular immune response is further compromised by corticosteroid use or other factors.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antiviral Agents; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Female; Ganciclovir; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute; Middle Aged; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Pneumonia, Viral; Prednisone; Transplantation, Autologous; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Topics: ABO Blood-Group System; Adolescent; Adult; Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Bacterial Infections; Blood Group Incompatibility; Child; Communicable Diseases; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Female; Fever; Graft Survival; Humans; Kidney Transplantation; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Retrospective Studies; Survival Rate; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

To investigate the influence of empiric treatments prior to fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) on the diagnostic yield of BAL in HIV-positive patients with respiratory symptoms.. We studied 123 consecutive FOBs with BAL in HIV-positive patients; 101 of these patients (82%) had received previous antimicrobial treatment from 1 to 60 days. Diagnostic yield of BAL for Pneumocystis carinii, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and bacterial pneumonia was compared between patients with and without previous empiric treatments.. A diagnosis was obtained in 85 patients (69%), of whom 17 (20%) had multiple infections. Diagnostic yield was higher in patients without previous treatment, 91% (20/22) compared with 64% (65/101), p < 0.03. Diagnostic yield was also higher for bacterial pneumonia: seven isolations from 22 patients not receiving previous empiric treatment (32%), compared with 11 of those who had (11%; p < 0.02). The duration of empiric treatment against P carinii in patients in whom it was isolated was significantly shorter than in those in whom P carinii was not detected (3.5 +/- 1.8 days compared with 5.2 +/- 2.4 days; p = 0.003). FOB permitted a change in treatment in 62% of patients with a final diagnosis.. This study demonstrates that empiric treatments prior to FOB significantly impair the diagnostic yield of BAL in detecting common pathogens in HIV-infected patients with respiratory symptoms.

Topics: Adult; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Antifungal Agents; Antitubercular Agents; Bacteria; Bronchoalveolar Lavage; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Bronchoscopy; Cytomegalovirus; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Female; Fiber Optic Technology; Herpes Simplex; Humans; Length of Stay; Lung Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Pentamidine; Pneumocystis; Pneumonia, Bacterial; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Simplexvirus; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary

Topics: Adult; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Female; Ganciclovir; Humans; Methylprednisolone; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Pneumonia, Viral; Risk Factors; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

As more drugs are approved for the prevention of opportunistic infections, concerns regarding the benefits and potential risks of these therapies are arising. A synopsis of the data for prophylaxis against opportunistic infections is provided for the following: Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, fungal infections, Mycobacterium avium complex, cytomegalovirus infections, and toxoplasmosis. General precautions in using preventive medications for people with fewer than 100 CD4 plus cells are highlighted.

Topics: Acyclovir; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Clarithromycin; Clindamycin; Clinical Trials as Topic; Clotrimazole; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Dapsone; Fluconazole; Ganciclovir; Humans; Itraconazole; Leucovorin; Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection; Mycoses; Pentamidine; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Pyrimethamine; Rifabutin; Toxoplasmosis; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Valacyclovir; Valine

Dr. Bernard Bihari, an AIDS specialist practicing in New York City, and other members of the Community Programs for Clinical Research on AIDS (CPCRA), have determined that some of the Public Health Services's recommendations for preventing opportunistic infections do not match the standards of care that the CPCRA developed nearly five years ago. The basic treatments provided by Bihari include using 1) TMP-SMZ and fluconazole to prevent, respectively, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) and cryptococcal meningitis in patients with CD4 counts below 200; 2) using high-dose acyclovir to prevent cytomegalovirus disease when the CD4 counts drop below 150; and 3) using clarithromycin and ethambutol to prevent Mycobacterium avium complex when CD4 counts drop below 100. This protocol has kept many patients from developing these opportunistic infections. Bihari notes that while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations are based on FDA-approved treatments and large clinical trials, private practitioners do not necessarily have to follow them.

Topics: AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Clarithromycin; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Ethambutol; Humans; Meningitis, Cryptococcal; Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection; New York City; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Topics: Adult; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Anti-Infective Agents; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Male; Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection; Nursing Assessment; Pentamidine; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Toxoplasmosis; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Among patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), early and widespread use of prophylactic regimens against Pneumocystis carinii is changing the pattern of illnesses related to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).. We conducted a subcohort analysis of 844 men with AIDS (87 percent of whom have since died) from a prospectively followed cohort of 2592 HIV-1-infected homosexual men.. A total of 138 men received prophylaxis before the diagnosis of AIDS, but 39 (28 percent) nevertheless had P. carinii pneumonia at some time. Only four illnesses occurred more frequently in men who received P. carinii prophylaxis before the onset of AIDS: Mycobacterium avium complex disease, which developed in 33.4 percent, as compared with 17.3 percent of the 706 men who did not receive early prophylaxis; wasting syndrome (18.4 percent vs. 6.4 percent); cytomegalovirus disease (44.9 percent vs. 24.8 percent); and esophageal candidiasis (21.3 percent vs. 12.8 percent). Collectively, these four diseases accounted for the initial AIDS-related illness in 42.7 percent of those who received prophylaxis before the onset of AIDS, as compared with 10.7 percent of those who did not. During the three six-month periods before the diagnosis of AIDS (0 to 6, > 6 to 12, and > 12 to 18 months), the geometric mean CD4+ cell counts were 48, 87, and 147 per cubic millimeter, respectively, in men who received prophylaxis against P. carinii, as compared with 118, 211, and 279 per cubic millimeter in those who did not.. M. avium complex disease, esophageal candidiasis, wasting syndrome, and cytomegalovirus disease are more common in HIV-infected patients who have received prophylaxis against P. carinii than in those who have not. Prophylaxis may delay the first AIDS illness for 6 to 12 months.

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Candidiasis; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cohort Studies; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Dapsone; Esophageal Diseases; HIV-1; Humans; Leukocyte Count; Male; Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection; Pentamidine; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Prospective Studies; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Zidovudine

A group of clinical, immunologic, and virologic variables was examined to determine if any predicted the development of hypersensitivity to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) during treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Hypersensitivity occurred in 39 (27%) of 143 patients, who had significantly higher total lymphocyte and CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts and CD4:CD8 ratios than did those who did not develop hypersensitivity. Regression analysis identified having a CD4:CD8 ratio > 0.10 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.75-3.94; P = .02) and treatment for < 14 days (95% CI, 1.57-3.75; P = .04) as independently predictive of hypersensitivity. Use of corticosteroids tended to reduce the frequency of hypersensitivity (7% vs. 30%; P = .07). T lymphocytes may be important in the pathogenesis of these hypersensitivity reactions. As the frequency of hypersensitivity declines with disease progression, T lymphocytes could be effector cells in these reactions or their sensitivity to TMP-SMZ may decline with HIV disease progression.

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adult; Aged; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Antibodies, Viral; CD4-CD8 Ratio; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Drug Hypersensitivity; Humans; Immunoglobulins; Male; Middle Aged; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Regression Analysis; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Seven cases of single lung transplantation are reported. The recipients were all below 60 years of age and severely disabled with end-stage lung disease. Transplantation was performed according to ABO blood group compatibility and negative lymphocytotoxic cross-match between donor and recipient irrespective of HLA mismatch. Recipients' diagnoses were sarcoidosis (3), alfa-1 antitrypsin deficiency (3), and idiopathic emphysema (1). Mean recipient age was 48 +/- 2.4 years (range 45-52). Donor age was 29.7 +/- 5.6 years (range 16-49). The immunosuppressive regimen included cyclosporin A, azathioprine, steroids and rabbit antithymocyte globulin. Excellent graft function was achieved. Six patients survived the postoperative period and are alive 4-18 months posttransplant. One patient died after the operation due to pneumonia with respiratory distress syndrome. Graft function was also monitored by transbronchial biopsy, and 57 biopsy procedures were performed without fatal complications. Acute cellular rejection was seen in 16 biopsy specimens from 5 recipients (grade 1 and 2 rejection in 14, grade 3 rejection in 2). Neither severe rejection with septal necrosis (grade 4) nor obliterative bronchiolitis was seen. The rejection rate was 0.03 episodes per patient/month. In contrast to other reports, episodes of cellular rejection occurred throughout the observation period, and were not mainly limited to the first 4 months posttransplant. Graft vascular occlusive disease or chronic vascular rejection was found in 6 biopsy specimens from one recipient. Five patients experienced 7 episodes of cytomegalovirus infection. The cytomegalovirus infection rate was 0.01 episodes per patient/month. The incidence of infection was significantly lower compared to previous studies of rejection in other lung graft combinations. Both infections and rejection episodes may contribute to the development of obliterative bronchiolitis. Almost one third of the specimens (30%) showed lymphocytic bronchitis without perivascular inflammation. The absence of perivascular infiltrates and exclusion of infectious agents leaves in question the aetiology of this inflammation. The lymphocytic bronchitis could be ischaemic, related to aspiration, or represent recurrent sarcoidosis, or, in fact, express bronchial rejection. All biopsy specimens regarded as rejection with cellular infiltrates in the lung parenchyma also showed a lymphocytic bronchitis. The impact of HLA mismatch on cellular and vascu

Topics: Adult; alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency; Biopsy, Needle; Bronchiolitis; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Emphysema; Female; Ganciclovir; Graft Rejection; Humans; Immunosuppression Therapy; Lung; Lung Diseases, Fungal; Lung Transplantation; Male; Middle Aged; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Respiratory Insufficiency; Sarcoidosis; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Home care is influencing the provision of care for AIDS patients by providing a cost-effective, efficacious alternative site for the delivery of care. As the number of AIDS patients and the associated health care costs increase, home care for AIDS patients will continue to expand.

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Health Care Costs; Home Care Services; Humans; Opportunistic Infections; Pentamidine; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Toxoplasmosis; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Topics: Acyclovir; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Humans; Immunosuppression Therapy; Kidney Transplantation; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Diseases caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV) and pneumonia due to pneumocytis carinii (PCP) are problematic complications after allogeneic heart transplantation. Recipients of CMV-seropositive donors have a higher morbidity of CMV. By using an anti-CMV-immunoglobulin preparation in routine prophylaxis the incidence of CMV disease after heart transplantation could be reduced significantly. Ganciclovir 10 mg/kg is administered for treatment of CMV disease for at least 14 days. Recent investigations show that a prophylactic administration of ganciclovir after heart transplantation is safe, and it reduces the incidence of CMV-induced illness in CMV-seropositive patients. The incidence of PCP after heart transplantation varies according to the literature between 1 and 13%. The onset of the disease is located mostly between the third and the fifth month after heart transplantation. An effective prophylaxis can be achieved by low dose cotrimoxazole (960 mg at two days per week in adults) within the first six postoperative months. Cases of PCP are treated by cotrimoxazole or pentamidine and are associated with a mortality up to 60%.

Topics: Antibodies, Fungal; Antibodies, Viral; Cytomegalovirus; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Ganciclovir; Germany; Heart Transplantation; Humans; Opportunistic Infections; Pentamidine; Pneumocystis; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Retrospective Studies; Survival Rate; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Ninety consecutive first-time fiberoptic bronchoscopies (FB) were performed on HIV-infected patients with pulmonary symptoms and radiographic evidence of active pneumonitis. Microbiological data were analysed for acute and long-term prognostic significance. 56/90 (63%) patients had one type of microbiological agent recovered from FB, 22/90 (24%) patients had more types recovered, and 12/90 (13%) patients had no types recovered. Nine patients (10%) died during the acute episode of pneumonia. A prognostic factor of a fatal outcome of the acute episode of pneumonia was concurrent multiple pulmonary infections (p = 0.002), mainly ascribed to patients with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) and concomitant bacterial pneumonia (p = 0.003). Specific microbiological findings at FB did not influence long-term survival of patients, and, when omitting patients who died during the acute episode of pneumonia (n = 9), no difference in survival was observed between patients with a) no agent, b) one type of agent or c) more types of agents recovered from FB. Only non-pulmonary parameters such as CD4-count, haemoglobin and age were found to be prognostic parameters. Thus, increased attention should be paid to co-pathogens presenting in HIV-infected patients with pulmonary infection and appropriate therapy instituted.

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Bronchoscopy; Cryptosporidiosis; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Ganciclovir; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pentamidine; Pneumonia; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Risk Factors; Survival Analysis; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Following renal transplantation, a patient developed life-threatening granulocytopenia secondary to a specific combination of drugs which are commonly utilized in this setting. Coincident with the depression of granulocytes, an expansion of natural killer cells was seen, which may have been a consequence of immunosuppressive therapy required for allograft retention. Infection with cytomegalovirus may have contributed to both phenomena.

Topics: Adult; Agranulocytosis; Azathioprine; Cimetidine; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Drug Therapy, Combination; Humans; Kidney Transplantation; Killer Cells, Natural; Lymphocytosis; Male; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Fibreoptic bronchoscopy was performed in 43 of 52 consecutive patients with opportunistic pneumonia in the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The 15 patients in whom a likely pathogen was not found by bronchoscopy (including the nine not having the procedure) were treated for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) alone and all responded. In 11 of these a diagnosis of AIDS was confirmed because of an alternative opportunistic infection within 6 months. PCP was confirmed in 38 of the 52 patients and cytomegalovirus (CMV) was isolated from 15 patients. The lower the partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) on admission the more likely was a pathogen to be found by bronchoscopy. The admission PaO2 while the patient was breathing room air was the single most reliable prognostic indicator. The mean PaO2 for survivors was 9.6 kPa and 6.7 kPa for non-survivors (P less than 0.01 Student's t-test), with 50% mortality for patients with a PaO2 of less than 8 kPa on admission. Temperature and pulse rate were sensitive indicators of response to treatment, obviating the need for frequent arterial gas measurements and chest radiography. Our findings suggest that although fibreoptic bronchoscopy contributed little to the treatment and final outcome of the infection, it identified the causative pathogen in most patients.

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Biopsy; Bronchoscopy; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Drug Combinations; Female; Humans; Male; Opportunistic Infections; Oxygen; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Pneumonia, Viral; Prognosis; Sputum; Sulfamethoxazole; Trimethoprim; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Topics: Cross Infection; Cyclosporins; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Disease Outbreaks; Drug Combinations; Humans; Kidney Transplantation; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Postoperative Complications; Puerto Rico; Sulfamethoxazole; Trimethoprim; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Viral infections are one of the major complications after bone marrow transplantation, with high mortality and morbidity. Fourty-six patients between 3 and 48 years old (median 15 years) received orally 400 mg (under age 6, 200 mg) acyclovir 4 times daily from day -12 before to day 84 after BMT. All patients were isolated in laminar-airflow units for at least 23 days with total enteral decontamination. They were concomitantly treated with anti-CMV-hyperimmunoglobulin and cotrimoxazol. During acyclovir prophylaxis seven patients had herpes simplex virus infections, all of them were seropositive before BMT. Acyclovir plasma concentrations were measured by use of a new HPLC method. No acyclovir was present (detection limit 40 ng/ml) in the plasma of five out of six patients with HSV infections. Three of them had non-compliance, and a lack of acyclovir absorption developed in two patients under conditioning regimen. No drug-related side effects were observed. Laboratory tests did not show liver or renal toxicity. Take and hematologic reconstitution were unchanged. In our study, oral acyclovir reduced the incidence of herpes simplex infections after bone marrow transplantation. Herpes infections only occurred in patients with non-compliance or lack of acyclovir absorption.

Topics: Acyclovir; Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Adult; Bone Marrow Transplantation; Child; Child, Preschool; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Drug Combinations; Drug Therapy, Combination; gamma-Globulins; Herpesviridae Infections; Humans; Immune Tolerance; Infant; Neoplasms; Sulfamethoxazole; Trimethoprim; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Topics: Acyclovir; Bacterial Infections; Cryptococcosis; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Drug Combinations; Humans; Infection Control; Infections; Kidney Transplantation; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Postoperative Complications; Prognosis; Sulfamethoxazole; Toxoplasmosis; Trimethoprim; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Virus Diseases

The cause of AIDS is unknown. In the absence of a specific etiologic agent or diagnostic test, a case can only be recognized when complications of the immune deficiency such as infection or Kaposi's sarcoma occur. Defective T-cell function is the principal immunologic defect; there are also defects, however, in B-cell function that may have some clinical significance. It has not yet been possible to reverse the immunologic deficiency, and this failure has been the principal prognostic factor in this illness. A number of the infectious complications of AIDS, however, can be diagnosed and successfully treated.

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adult; Bacterial Infections; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Drug Combinations; Female; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Herpes Simplex; Homosexuality; Humans; Male; Parasitic Diseases; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Sarcoma, Kaposi; Sulfamethoxazole; Trimethoprim; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Virus Diseases

Fourteen of 156 renal-transplant recipients treated with cyclosporine and steroids developed Pneumocystis carinii-related pneumonia (PCP) over a 19-month period. This was a significant change from past experience with this disease in renal-transplant patients receiving azathioprine and steroids (six cases among 179 patients from 1977 to 1981). Epidemiological investigation failed to implicate either person-to-person or nosocomial spread of infection. Cases of PCP occurred more frequently in males. Twelve patients (86%) had onset of disease in the third or fourth months after transplantation. Comparison of cases to matched controls revealed that the cases had received lower doses of steroids and had a higher incidence of cytomegalovirus infection. This suggested that the cases may have been more effectively immunosuppressed than the controls. After institution of prophylaxis with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, no further cases of PCP developed.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Cyclosporins; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Drug Combinations; Female; Humans; Kidney Transplantation; Male; Middle Aged; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Risk; Sex Factors; Steroids; Sulfamethoxazole; Trimethoprim; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Biopsy; Bronchoscopy; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Drug Combinations; Drug Therapy, Combination; Humans; Lung Diseases; Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous; Pentamidine; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Radiography, Thoracic; Respiratory Insufficiency; Sulfamethoxazole; Trimethoprim; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary