How to prevent PCP

May 2008     View PDF     En español

Who is at risk of getting PCP?

You are at higher risk for getting PCP when your CD4 count goes below 200 or your CD4 percentage falls below 14%. If you have a slightly higher CD4 count (200–300) but have other symptoms of immune suppression, such as repeated fungal infections (thrush, yeast, candidiasis), you are also considered at high risk for PCP. Most cases of PCP occur when the CD4 count falls below 100, including those that “break through” preventive therapy.

If you experience fungal infections, have recurrent fevers, or have had your spleen removed, you are at higher risk for PCP regardless of your CD4 count. Pregnant women can experience drops in CD4+ counts during their third trimester. So, HIV-positive pregnant women sometimes may need medicine to prevent PCP during that time.

People who have had PCP before are also at higher risk of getting PCP again. If you smoke, you may develop PCP more quickly than non-smokers. Other factors that may increase your risk include having a history of lung problems or other types of pneumonia or if you take drugs that affect your immune system, such as corticosteroids or other immune suppressive therapies, such as those used in people who have undergone organ transplants.