Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in the acquired immune deficiency syndrome: response to inadvertent steroid therapy

Of the several opportunistic pulmonary infections occurring in patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is the most common. It carries a mortality rate exceeding 40% even when there is optimal antimicrobial therapy and supportive care. This report demonstrates some unusual features of the disease, including a subacute course and an unexpected response to corticosteroid therapy.