What is PCP? PCP is a kind of pneumonia caused by bacteria
called Pneumocystis jiroveci (say: “new-mo-sis-tis yee-row-vet-
zee-eye”), or P. jiroveci. It used to be called Pneumocystis
carinii pneumonia. Most people infected with P. jiroveci don't
get pneumonia because their immune systems are healthy and
strong. People whose immune systems are weak because of HIV
infection can get PCP. PCP is less common than it used to be,
but it's still the most common serious infection in people who
have advanced HIV disease in the United States. How would I know
if I have PCP? If you get PCP, you probably will have fever,
cough, trouble breathing (especially with exercise) or chest
tightness. See your doctor right away if you have these
symptoms. Most cases are mild, but people with severe PCP may
die if the infection isn't treated quickly. PCP is diagnosed by
lab tests of fluid or tissue from your lungs. How do you get
PCP? Most scientists believe PCP is spread in the air, but they
don't know if it lives in the soil or so