New Microbes and New Infections (Jul 2015)

First data on Pneumocystis jirovecii colonization in patients with respiratory diseases in North Lebanon

  • S. Khalife,
  • E.M. Aliouat,
  • C.M. Aliouat-Denis,
  • N. Gantois,
  • P. Devos,
  • H. Mallat,
  • E. Dei-Cas,
  • F. Dabboussi,
  • M. Hamze,
  • E. Fréalle

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nmni.2015.02.006
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6, no. C
pp. 11 – 14

Abstract

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Pneumocystis colonization may play a role in transmission and local inflammatory response. It was explored in patients with respiratory diseases in North Lebanon. Overall prevalence reached only 5.2% (95% CI 2.13–10.47) but it was higher (17.3%) in the subpopulation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD was the only factor associated with a significantly increased risk of colonization. mtLSU genotyping revealed predominance of genotype 2, identified in five patients (71.4%), including one patient who had co-infection with genotype 3. These first data in North Lebanon confirm Pneumocystis circulation among patients with respiratory diseases and the potential for transmission to immunocompromised patients.

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