pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

pneumocystis carinii pneumonia A parasitic infection of the lungs that is particularly common and life-threatening in premature or malnourished infants and in immunosuppressed persons. Abbreviated PCP. PCP causes fever, cough, shortness of breath, and bluish extremities. Untreated, it leads to dense areas of lung inflammation, low blood oxygen levels, and death. Preventive treatment is available to prevent PCP in persons who are at increased risk.