PCP prophylaxis in the '90s

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) will remain an ominous opportunistic infection because of growing numbers of immunocompromised patients, including those who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or have organ or bone marrow transplants. Reductions in morbidity and mortality can be achieved, however, by identifying early those patients in high-risk groups and by administering preventive treatment. The authors here discuss current recommendations for PCP prophylaxis (TMP-SMX, pentamidine, and dapsone) in HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected individuals.