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.