Atypical Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in homosexual men with unusual immunodeficiency.

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is a well known opportunistic infection whose radiographic presentation and association with cytomegalovirus (CMV) have been well described. Recently nine young homosexual men with chronic flulike illnesses were seen. Bronchoscopy in six cases demonstrated evidence of CMW infection with Pneumocystis pneumonia. The radiographic presentation was atypical. Immunologic evaluation revealed T-cell abnormalities. CMV infections altering immunologic mechanisms has been postulated as the underlying cause of this and other uncommon infections in homosexual men.