Correct Answer: B. Pneumocystis jerovecii
The clinical presentation of persistent cough and weight loss in an HIV-positive patient with poor medication adherence (CD4 count likely <200 cells/µL) strongly suggests an opportunistic infection. The key diagnostic clue is the Gomori methamine silver (GMS) staining showing darkly stained crescent-shaped cysts, which is pathognomonic for Pneumocystis jerovecii (formerly P. carinii). This organism causes Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), the most common opportunistic infection in AIDS patients in India when CD4 count falls below 200 cells/µL. The crescent or cup-shaped appearance of the cyst wall on GMS staining is the gold standard morphological finding. The negative fungal culture is expected because P. jerovecii is difficult to culture and diagnosis relies on microscopy (GMS, Giemsa, or immunofluorescence). The clinical triad of immunosuppression (HIV+, poor adherence), respiratory symptoms (cough), and constitutional symptoms (weight loss) with this characteristic staining pattern makes PCP the definitive diagnosis. In India, PCP remains a major AIDS-defining illness despite ART availability, particularly in patients with delayed diagnosis or poor treatment adherence.
Why the other options are wrong
A. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis — This dimorphic fungus causes paracoccidioidomycosis, endemic to Central and South America (Brazil, Venezuela). It is NOT found in India and is extremely rare in Indian HIV patients. On histology, it shows characteristic 'pilot wheel' or 'mariner's wheel' appearance with multiple buds around a central yeast cell—NOT crescent-shaped cysts. This is a geographic trap. C. Coccidiodes immitis — This dimorphic fungus is endemic to southwestern USA and parts of Mexico/Central America, NOT India. It causes coccidioidomycosis and shows spherules containing endospores on histology—NOT crescent-shaped cysts. While it can cause respiratory disease in immunocompromised hosts, the geographic distribution and morphology rule it out in an Indian patient. D. Histoplasma capsulatum — Although H. capsulatum is found in India and causes disseminated histoplasmosis in AIDS patients, it appears as small oval yeast cells (2–4 µm) within macrophages on GMS staining—NOT crescent-shaped cysts. Histoplasmosis typically presents with fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy rather than isolated respiratory symptoms. The morphology is the discriminating factor.
High-Yield Facts
- Pneumocystis jerovecii causes PCP when CD4 count falls below 200 cells/µL in HIV patients; it is the most common opportunistic infection in AIDS in India.
- Gomori methamine silver staining shows crescent- or cup-shaped cysts (4–6 µm diameter) with darkly stained walls—the gold standard diagnostic morphology.
- Fungal culture is negative because P. jerovecii cannot be cultured on routine media; diagnosis relies on microscopy (GMS, Giemsa, or immunofluorescence) or PCR.
- PCP prophylaxis with TMP-SMX (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) is indicated when CD4 <200 cells/µL; it is also therapeutic for active disease.
- Chest X-ray in PCP typically shows bilateral interstitial infiltrates or ground-glass opacities; some patients may have normal CXR despite positive sputum microscopy.
Mnemonics
PCP Diagnosis: GMS = Gold Gomori Methamine Silver stain → Crescent cysts = Pneumocystis. Remember: GMS is the gold standard for PCP morphology (crescent/cup shape is pathognomonic). CD4 <200 = PCP Risk When CD4 drops below 200 cells/µL in HIV, think PCP first. Prophylaxis with TMP-SMX starts at this threshold. This is the most common opportunistic infection in Indian AIDS patients.
NBE Trap
NBE pairs geographic endemic fungi (Paracoccidioides, Coccidioides, Histoplasma) with PCP to test whether students confuse morphology and epidemiology. The crescent-shaped cyst on GMS is unique to P. jerovecii; other fungi show different morphologies (pilot wheel, spherules, intracellular yeast).
Clinical Pearl
In Indian clinical practice, any HIV patient presenting with subacute cough, dyspnea, and CD4 <200 cells/µL should raise immediate suspicion for PCP. Sputum induction with GMS staining is the first-line diagnostic test in resource-limited settings; if negative but clinical suspicion remains high, bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and GMS staining is the gold standard. Early recognition and TMP-SMX initiation significantly improve outcomes.
_Reference: Jawetz, Melnick & Adelberg's Medical Microbiology (Ch. Mycology / Opportunistic Fungi); Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease (Ch. Infectious Diseases); Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine (Ch. HIV/AIDS and Opportunistic Infections)_