Plasma (1→3)-(3-β-glucan Measurement and Polymerase Chain Reaction on Sputum as Practical Parameters in Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia

Abstract

We report a case of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome diagnosed and monitored with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Pneumocystis carinii on sputum and measurement of plasma (1→3)-β-D-glucan (G-test). Results of both studies paralleled the clinical and radiographic improvement. However, the plasma (1→3)-β-D-glucan level remained higher than normal when PCR for Pneumocystis carinii became negative in sputum. Both PCR for Pneumocystis carinii on sputum and measurement of plasma (1→3)-β-D-glucan are useful for noninvasive diagnosis and monitoring of Pneumocystis carinii, although further investigation is necessary to quantify their relationship.
(Internal Medicine 37: 618-621, 1998)