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Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia
Etiology

Parasite found widely
Pathogenesis

Organism binds to type 1 alveolar pneumocytes
Proliferates within the alveolus
Results in intralveolar accumulation of proteinaceous material
Mild inflammation of septae
Resolves generally without long term scarring,
Epidemiology

Occurs in immunocompromised patients particularly those with human immunodeficiency virus and low CD4 counts
General Gross Description

Focal or often diffuse
No air on palpation, firm
Reddish tan
•Examples:
Pneumocystis carinii Pneumocystis carinii
General Microscopic Description

Bronchi are unremarkable
Alveoli are filled with pink, foamy material
Parasites stain with silver stains such as Gomori methinamine silver (GMS) and look helmet shaped or like crushed ping-pong balls, 4-6 microns in diameter
May be congestion and mild inflammation in interstitium
•Examples:
References

Cotran RS, Kumar V, Robbins SL: Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease. 5th edition. Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders, 1994, pp. 357.

For Most Current Information Search Medline at National Library of Medicine
This link will directly take you to the relevant new literature
Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia
Synopsis by: Melinda Sanders M.D. (T28000E43310)[116]
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