Development and characterization of a molecular viability assay for Pneumocysti carinii f sp hominis

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) remains the most common opportunistic infection among human immunodeficiency virus-infected persons. Despite this, little is known concerning the transmission dynamics of this infection. In the absence of a reliable method to isolate and culture P. carinii from e...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Journal of infectious diseases Vol. 183; no. 12; p. 1825
Main Authors Maher, Nancy H, Vermund, Sten H, Welsh, David A, Dillon, H Kenneth
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Oxford Oxford University Press 15.06.2001
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Summary:Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) remains the most common opportunistic infection among human immunodeficiency virus-infected persons. Despite this, little is known concerning the transmission dynamics of this infection. In the absence of a reliable method to isolate and culture P. carinii from environmental samples, it has not been possible to assess the importance of person-to-person transmission in the epidemiology of PCP. A molecular viability assay was developed for the human form of P. carinii (P. carinii f sp hominis) that is applicable to both clinical specimens and environmental samples. This assay will enable the evaluation of the spread and persistence of viable human P. carinii in the environment.
ISSN:0022-1899
1537-6613