Nicholas Campbell
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Nicholas Campbell has not written any posts yet.
Nicholas Campbell has not written any posts yet.
'' At first blush SARS-CoV-2 is not doing anything all that different to the immune system than any other acute virus infection. ''
Not sure about this, it does seem to create a cytokine storm and lypmphopenia in a minority.
Neat idea, although immune responses can be tissue specific (to a certain degree).
MD here.
Could the coronavirus be interfering with the immune system in a way that is allowing Pneumocystis pneumonia to thrive?
A: Yes. COVID has been linked to CD4+ (T helper) lymphopenia, possible via cytokine storm. The main risk factor for PCP is CD4+ lymphoooenia caused by HIV.
My understanding is that Pneumocystis pneumonia, otherwise known as PJP or PCP, is caused by a fungus. It is highly opportunistic, and is rarely seen in people with healthy immune systems. It is highly associated with AIDS/HIV.
A: Its actually rarely seen with HIV these days (due to ART), useally in transplant or immunosupressed patients.
The fungus that causes it is widespread,... (read 615 more words →)