Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP)?
PCP is a common opportunistic infection in AIDS patients with a CD4 count < 200 cells/uL. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (bactrim) is the preferred treatment in most cases. Patients may experience an initial worsening of pulmonary function following initiation of antibiotic therapy. Corticosteroids should be given with antibiotics in patients with PaO2 < 70 mm Hg on room air or an A-a gradient > 35 to minimize pulmonary complications.