Previous serologic surveys show >80% of infants in Chile have anti-Pneumocystis
antibodies by 2 years of age, but the seroepidemiology of
Pneumocystis infection beyond infancy is unknown. We describe the sero-epidemiology in infants, children, and adults at different locations in Chile. Serum samples were prospectively obtained from 681 healthy adults (age ≥ 17 years) and 690 non-immunocompromised infants/children attending eight blood banks or outpatient clinics (2 in Santiago) in Chile. ELISA was used to measure serum
IgM and
IgG antibodies to Pneumocystis jirovecii major
surface antigen (
Msg) constructs MsgA and MsgC1. Serologic responses to Pneumocystis
Msg showed a high frequency of reactivity, inferring
infection. Among infants/children increasing age and the proportion with detectable
IgM responses to MsgA, and
IgG responses to MsgA, and MsgC1 were positively associated. Among adults there was almost universal seropositivity to one or more Pneumocystis
Msg constructs. In infants and children rates of detectable
IgM responses to MsgC1 and MsgA were greater than
IgG responses. In Santiago, rates of seropositivity among infants/children were greater in clinics located in a more socio-economically deprived part of the city. In Chile, a serological response to Pneumocystis
Msg constructs was common across ages regardless of geographical location and climatic conditions. Observed higher rates of
IgM responses than
IgG responses is consistent with concept of recent/ongoing exposure to Pneumocystis in children and adults. Higher rates of seropositivity in infants/children residing in more densely populated areas of Santiago infers crowding poses an increased risk of transmission.