Authors : M. Sharif , H. Ziaei , A. Daryani , M. Nasrolahei and B. Lackterashi
Abstract: Pneumocystis carinii (P. carinii) organisms constitute a large group of heterogenous atypical microscopic fungi that are able to infect immunocompromised mammals and proliferate in their lungs, inducing Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Despite intensive investigation in human and animal hosts, information on the occurrence and nature of infections in wild animals is scarce, although characterization of infections in wild-animal populations may help to elucidate the life-cycle and transmission of this elusive organism. Due to the interspecific with P. carinii in differences in prevalence and intensity of P. carinii infection and to the antigenic and genetic diversity of P. carinii organisms originating from various host species, which may affect the infectivity and pathogenicity of these organisms, we should be cautious when making generalizations about the nature of P. carinii infection. This study conducted to find out the prevalence of infection in wild rats in their natural habits and also in immunosuppressed rats in Sari, Mazandaran Province of Iran.
M. Sharif , H. Ziaei , A. Daryani , M. Nasrolahei and B. Lackterashi , 2006. Epidemiological Survey of Pneumocystis Carinii in Rodents of Sari, Northern Iran. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 5: 390-394.