HIV/AIDS Glossary

Formerly known as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. A lung infection caused by the fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii. Symptoms include a cough (often mild and dry), fever, and shortness of breath. The fungus is common in the environment and does not cause illness in healthy people. Most people who get Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia have weakened immune systems due to HIV/AIDS, cancer treatments, or organ transplants. In people with HIV, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia is an AIDS-defining condition.