Sulfa resistance and dihydropteroate synthase mutants in recurrent Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

Emerg Infect Dis. 2003 Jul;9(7):864-7. doi: 10.3201/eid0907.030249.

Abstract

Failure of sulfa or sulfone prophylaxis is associated with mutations in Pneumocystis carinii gene coding for dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS). The DHPS genotype was analyzed in AIDS patients who had two separate episodes of P. carinii pneumonia. The results suggest that DHPS mutations can be selected de novo within patients by the pressure of a sulfa or sulfone drug.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Infective Agents / pharmacology
  • DNA, Fungal / analysis
  • Dihydropteroate Synthase / genetics*
  • Dihydropteroate Synthase / metabolism
  • Drug Resistance, Fungal / genetics*
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation / genetics*
  • Pneumocystis / drug effects
  • Pneumocystis / genetics*
  • Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / drug therapy
  • Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / microbiology*
  • Recurrence
  • Sulfonamides / pharmacology*
  • Sulfones / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • DNA, Fungal
  • Sulfonamides
  • Sulfones
  • Dihydropteroate Synthase