Pneumocystis jirovecii

Why in News?

A global study published in Science Translational Medicine has found evidence that Pneumocystis jirovecii, a fungus capable of causing severe pneumonia in people with weakened immune systems, may have developed resistance to mycophenolic acid (MPA). The finding is significant because MPA is an immunosuppressive drug used mainly in solid-organ transplant recipients and was not intended as an antifungal treatment.

About Pneumocystis jirovecii

Pneumocystis jirovecii is a fungus that primarily causes pneumonia in immunocompromised people, including organ-transplant recipients and individuals with severely weakened immunity. The infection is known as Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP).

MPA suppresses the immune system to prevent organ rejection after transplantation. However, researchers found that the drug can also affect P. jirovecii. This creates a potential case of indirect or unintended drug selection, where exposure to a drug not designed to eliminate the pathogen may contribute to the emergence of resistant strains.

The organism was previously classified as the protozoan Pneumocystis carinii. It is now classified as a fungus, based on molecular, nucleic-acid and biochemical evidence.

Source: The Hindu

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