Research Paper on:
HIV and the Effects of Pneumocystis

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
that AIDS-related PCP has changed since the advent of this adjunctive corticosteroid therapy. This paper looks at those changes and the effects that pneumocystis has to HIV. PNEUMOCYSTIC  AND HIV When HIV first became a known epidemic it was felt that the most serious complication that arose with HIV patients was complications stemming from PCP, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.  In fact, PCP "continues to be the most frequent index diagnosis of AIDS" (Benfield, Helweg-Larsen et al, 2001, 844). Hospitals continue to study methods of treatment for PCP so  as to slow its progress in the onset of symptoms in HIV patients. Variables have been recorded that will allow doctors to study the short-term or three month range  of effects of PCP complications (Benfield, Helweg-Larsen et al, 2001). After several major studies it has been found that there are several indications that predict a progression to death within  three months from PCP complications. Several factors include such things as the patients age, whether or not the patient has had prior bouts with pneumocystis that could have compromised  the immuno-system, and the "use of PCP prophylaxis at diagnosis" (Benfield, Helweg-Larsen et al 2001, 844). All of these indicators have been found to be helpful in the prediction  of the outcome of PCP in HIV patients that were treated during the time period of adjunctive corticosteroid therapy. SHORT AND LONG-TERM OUTCOME OF PATIENTS According to a  study by the American Medical Association, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia or PCP is still considered to be a very life-threatening infection that serves to severely complicate patient suffering from human immunodeficiency  Virus infection and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. This finding takes into consideration the advances that have been made in antiretroviral therapy. Additionally, there is improved prophylaxis but that