Pneumocystis Jiroveci in HIV/AIDS Patients: Detection by FTA Filter Paper Together with PCR in Noninvasive Induced Sputum Specimens
Siraya Jaijakul MD*, Wilai Saksirisampant MSc**, Juraratt Prownebon BSc* , Sutin Yenthakam BSc*, Mathirut Mungthin MD, PhD***, Saovanee Leelayoova PhD***, Surang Nuchprayoon MD, MPH, PhD*,**
Affiliation : * Department of Parasitology, ** Lymphatic Filariasis Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University , *** Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine
Objectives : To detect P. jiroveci (previously named P. carinii) by PCR using FTA filter paper to extract the
DNA, from noninvasive induced sputum samples of HIV/AIDS patients.
Materials and Methods : Fifty two HIV/AIDS patients suspected of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) in
King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital were recruited. Both cytological method and PCR with FTA filter
paper technique were performed to detect P. jiroveci from each specimen.
Results : The detectability rate of P. jiroveci infection was 21%. The PCR with FTA filter paper method was 4
folds much more sensitive than Giemsa staining technique. P. jiroveci was detected in 18% of the HIV/AIDS
patients in spite of receiving standard PJP prophylaxis.
Conclusion : Detection of P. jiroveci by using FTA filter paper together with PCR in induced sputum samples
could detect more cases of P. jiroveci infection than by using cytological method. DNA extraction using the
FTA filter paper was more rapid and convenient than other extraction methods. The causes of failure of PJP
prophylaxis should be evaluated.
Keywords : Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia, PJP, Polymerase chain reaction, FTA filter paper
