Types of Pneomia (PCP, others)

Jan 2, 2006

Father admitted to hospital with breathing issues, two days later, HIV positive/AIDS, CD4 count 9, PCP confirmed, (Chest CT looks like a Minnesota winter) bad, bad, bad shape. They took a sample of his lung with thoughts that he may have another type of pneomia (thought they said CMV). He is also getting blood (lung was cut during biopsy). What is CMV? What should he be taking besides SMX? Any hope here?

Response from Dr. Holodniy

CMV or cytomegalovirus is a cousin of herpes viruses. Almost all of us are all exposed to this virus during childhood and we live with it, usually without any disease unless our immune system is compromised because of HIV, organ transplantation or some other cause. CMV can cause lung infection in people with AIDS. There are antivirals that can be given and are quite effective against CMV. Nothing is more effective against this virus than having t cells, so HIV treatment would be a tremendous help as well. You should definitely have hope, as many people can survive such a pneumonia with proper treatment.