- PCP is the most common serious infection among persons with
HIV. It can be fatal. - PCP can be prevented and treated. - TMP-
SMX, also known as Bactrim, Septra, or Cotrim*, is the best
medicine for preventing and treating PCP. - You should take all
medicines as prescribed by your doctor. What is PCP?
Pneumocystis carinii (NEW-mo-SIS-tis CA-RIN- nee-eye) pneumonia,
or PCP, is a severe illness found in people with HIV. It is
caused by a germ called Most people infected with this germ
don’t get pneumonia because their immune systems are normal.
People whose immune systems are badly damaged by HIV can get
PCP. People with HIV are less likely to get PCP today than in
earlier years. However, PCP is still the most common serious
infection among people with AIDS in the United States. How do I
know if I have PCP? If you have PCP, you probably will have
fever, cough, or trouble breathing. People with PCP may die if
the infection is not treated quickly. See your doctor
immediately if you have these symptoms. PCP can be