THERAPEUTIC PROGRESS .4. TREATMENT AND PROPHYLAXIS OF PNEUMOCYSTIS-CARINII INFECTION

Co-trimoxazole presently remains the first choice for prophylaxis and treatment of Pneumocystis carinii infections. The high incidence of ad verse reactions experienced by patients taking co-trimoxazole has led to a number of trials comparing it with other antipneumocystis agents. Adjuvant therapy with corticosteroids may benefit patients with sever e P. carinii pneumonia. This paper reviews the standard treatments for P. carinii pneumonia, some of the newer agents such as atovaquone, re cently licensed in the U.K., and a variety of novel agents being asses sed for treatment and prophylaxis. Current recommendations may change over the new few years.