Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a life-threatening infection in immunocompromised
children with quantitative and qualitative defects in T lymphocytes. At risk are children with
lymphoid malignancies, HIV infection, corticosteroid therapy, transplantation and primary
immunodeficiency states. Diagnosis is established through direct examination or
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from respiratory secretions. Trimethoprim–
sulphamethoxazole is used for initial therapy in most patients, while pentamidine …