PNEUMOCYSTIS-CARINII IN A PATIENT WITH PULMONARY SARCOIDOSIS AND IDIOPATHIC CD4-LYMPHOCYTOPENIA( T)

A case of pulmonary sarcoidosis and idiopathic CD4+ T lymphocytopenia is reported. Pneumocystis carinii was detected in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of a young homosexual man who was asymptomatic without an y evidence of congenital or acquired immunodeficiency but with a low C D4+ cell count. A clinical and histological diagnosis of pulmonary sar coidosis was made. During follow up the patient had oral candidiasis a nd a CD4+ cell count persistently below 300/mu l. This case is highly suggestive of concurrent pulmonary sarcoidosis and idiopathic CD4+ T l ymphocytopenia.