Eurofins Biomnis code

PJICF

Synonyms

• Pneumocystis
• Pneumocystis carinii

Specialty

Infectious

Clinical significance

P. jirovecii is a commensal fungus in the respiratory tract of humans. It is an opportunistic fungus that can cause severe pneumopathies (mainly bilateral alveolar-interstitial pneumonitis with spontaneous progression to acute respiratory distress syndrome) in immunocompromised patients (HIV, organ transplants, haematological malignancies, autoimmune diseases, etc.). While the incidence of P. jirovecii pneumonia has fallen in people living with HIV, thanks to tritherapies, it has risen in HIV-negative subjects, notably as a result of new therapies in onco-haematology and chronic inflammatory diseases. Forms of pulmonary colonisation are possible, particularly in patients with chronic bronchial or pulmonary diseases.Diagnosis is based on microscopic evidence of P. jirovecii in lung samples. Microscopic examination requires a combination of microscopic techniques (MGG staining, Gomori-Grocott staining or direct immunofluorescence techniques). In the case of a low fungal load, these techniques may lack sensitivity. Gene amplification techniques are well known for their sensitivity and specificity. Real-time PCR can be used to diagnose pneumocystis in respiratory samples (sputum, BAL); results should always be discussed in the context of clinical and radiological data, immune status and underlying pathology.

Preanalytics

• BAL, respiratory samples (excluding biopsies)
•   Refrigerated

• A tube specifically for this analysis : No

Further information

Do not use nasopharyngeal swabs
The use of the S14UK transport bag is Mandatory.

Documents to download

• information note (N23-INTGB)

Methodology

Real-time PCR

Turnaround time

1 day