[Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in an immunocompetent female patient]

Abstract

Pneumocystis jirovecci is an opportunist fungal agent that usually causes pneumonia in immunocompromised patients, particularly those presenting with AIDS. In rare cases, this fungus can cause pneumonia in immunocompetent patients. The symptomatology in this case is acute and fulminant. We report the case of a Pneumocystis jirovecci pneumonia in a young patient initially admitted for acute respiratory distress. This case is unusual since all the exams performed to screen for immune deficit were negative. The diagnosis was made after identifying Pneumocystis jirovecci cysts in broncho-alveolar lavage.