Abstract: Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii, is a severe and 
potentially life-threatening opportunistic infection in immunocompromised children. Its early 
recognition is challenging due to non-specific clinical symptoms and poor physical findings. 
This article aims to review the current scientific literature regarding the clinical and diagnostic 
aspects of PCP in pediatric patients. A targeted literature review was conducted in databases 
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such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, including studies from the past 15 years focused 
on the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of PCP in children. 
The most affected groups include children with HIV, hematologic malignancies, and transplant 
recipients. Clinical symptoms often include progressive dyspnea, dry cough, and hypoxemia, 
with minimal auscultatory signs. Diagnosis relies on PCR or microscopic analysis of 
respiratory specimens. TMP-SMX is the first-line treatment, with corticosteroids added in cases 
of severe hypoxemia. Prophylaxis in high-risk groups plays a key role in prevention. PCP in 
children requires a high index of suspicion and prompt use of modern diagnostic tools. Early 
initiation of therapy significantly improves outcomes in immunocompromised pediatric 
patients. 
Keywords: Pneumocystis jirovecii, children, immunosuppression, PCP, TMP-SMX, diagnosis, 
prophylaxis 

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