PNEUMOCYSTIS PNEUMONIA IN PATIENTS WITH HIV INFECTION: CLINICAL FEATURES, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT METHODS

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) remains one of the most frequent and severe opportunistic infections in patients infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), particularly in individuals with advanced immunosuppression. This thesis examines the clinical characteristics, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies of pneumocystis pneumonia in HIV-infected patients. The study highlights the subacute clinical course of the disease, characterized by progressive dyspnea, non-productive cough, fever, and hypoxemia, which often leads to delayed diagnosis. Special attention is given to modern diagnostic methods, including radiological imaging, laboratory markers, and microbiological and molecular techniques. The thesis also analyzes current treatment options, emphasizing the role of trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole as first-line therapy and the importance of adjunctive corticosteroid treatment in severe cases. In addition, preventive strategies and their impact on reducing morbidity and mortality are discussed. The findings of this thesis underline the importance of early diagnosis, timely treatment, and effective prophylaxis in improving clinical outcomes and optimizing the management of HIV-associated pneumocystis pneumonia.