Pneumocystis Pneumonia

Pneumocystis pneumonia remains the most prevalent opportunistic infection in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. Molecular techniques have provided new insights into the complex cell biology of this fungus. The authors summarize advances that have resulted from studies of the cell biology, biochemistry, and genetics of pneumocystis in the past several years and provide recommendations for the diagnosis of pneumocystis pneumonia and for prophylaxis and treatment.