Objective Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP), caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii, is one of the opportunistic fungal infections that can cause life-threatening pneumonia in children with underlying diseases. Due to the similarity of the symptoms of PJP with other lung infections, such as tuberculosis, differential and accurate diagnosis is necessary. The current study investigated the molecular diagnosis of P. jirovecii, predisposing factors and the outcomes, among pediatric inpatients in Northeastern Iran.

Methods In this study, 180 bronchoalveolar lavage specimens were obtained from hospitalized children with respiratory disorders. The specimens were examined using Giemsa stain, and the genomic DNA was extracted according to the protocol of the AmpliSens kit. A real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used to detect P. jirovecii by the AmpliSens Pneumocystis jirovecii (carinii)-FRT PCR kit.

Results Among the patients studied, 34 (18.9%) were positive and 8 (4.4%) were suspicious of the presence of P. jirovecii. Among the 34 positive cases, 12 (35%) were diagnosed before, and 22 (65%) during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Only two cases (5.88%) among the positive ones detected by the real-time PCR method were observed using Giemsa staining. Also, no correlation was observed between positive cases of infection and the sex, the outcomes, and underlying diseases.

Conclusion The results showed that PJP has a relatively high prevalence among pediatric inpatients with respiratory disorders. Neutropenia is a significant predisposing factor in these patients. However, there is no correlation between PJP cases and outcomes and underlying diseases. Most of the patients with PJP were affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, probably due to treatment with corticosteroids.

N. H. collected specimens and performed the project. H. Z. interpreted the data and prepared the manuscript. S. J. S. designed and planned the study. H. M. M. and M. J. N. analyzed the data. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

The authors declare no financial interests related to the materials of the study.

Received: 29 October 2023

Accepted: 05 June 2024

Article published online:
28 June 2024

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