Healthcare-associated Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia (PJP) infection in HIV-negative adults: A multicenter study

Anat Zalmanovich, Ronen Ben-Ami, Galia Rahav, Danny Alon, Allon Moses, Karen Olshtain-Pops, Miriam Weinberger, Pnina Shitrit, Michal Katzir, Bat Sheva Gottesman, Michal Chowers

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is an opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients. Clusters of PJP, especially among organ transplant recipients in clinic settings were described. Data regarding nosocomial PJP infection among inpatients are limited. Objectives: To assess the magnitude and characteristics of inpatient healthcare-associated PJP infection (HCA-PJP) in HIV-negative patients. Methods: A retrospective chart review of hospitalized PJP patients was performed to identify HCA-PJP. The study was performed at six medical centers in Israel from 2006 to 2016. HCA-PJP was defined as cases of hospital-onset or those with documented contact with a PJP patient. We reviewed and cross-matched temporal and spatial co-locations of patients. Clinical laboratory characteristics and outcomes were compared. Results: Seventy-six cases of PJP were identified. Median age was 63.7 years; 64% men; 44% hematological malignancies; 18% inflammatory diseases; and 61% steroid usage. Thirty-two patients (42%) were defined as HCA-PJP: 18/32 (23.6%) were hospitalized at onset and 14/32 (18.4%) had a previous encounter with a PJP patient. Time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was shorter in HCA-PJP vs. community-PJP (3.25 vs. 11.23 days, P = 0.009). In multivariate analysis, dyspnea at presentation (odds ratio [OR] 16.79, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.78-157.95) and a tendency toward higher rate of ventilator support (72% vs. 52%, P = 0.07, OR 5.18, 95%CI 0.7-30.3) were independently associated with HCA-PJP, implying abrupt disease progression in HCA-PJP. Conclusion: HCA-PJP was common. A high level of suspicion for PJP among selected patients with nosocomial respiratory infection is warranted. Isolation of PJP patients should be considered.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)312-317
Number of pages6
JournalIsrael Medical Association Journal
Volume23
Issue number5
StatePublished - May 2021

Keywords

  • Cross-infection
  • Hospital-acquired PJP
  • Israel
  • Nosocomial
  • Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP)

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Healthcare-associated Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia (PJP) infection in HIV-negative adults: A multicenter study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this