Abstract: The methods described herein are based on the discovery that the plasma level of a panel of specific proteins differs between two subject populations: 1) subjects at risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (“COPD”) but not manifesting clinical symptoms of COPD; and 2) subjects having very severe COPD. The difference in plasma levels is statistically significant for each protein. The identification of these proteins thus facilitates susceptibility detection, early disease detection, disease severity assessment, disease progression monitoring, and therapy efficacy monitoring.

Abstract: Significantly low circulating S-adenosylmethionine levels were found to be diagnostic for human Pneumocystis carinii infection, and rise in levels towards normal correlated with successful treatment. Diagnosis of P. carinii injection and monitoring of progress of treatment based thereon are described.

Abstract: Significantly low circulating, S-adenosylmethionine levels were found to be diagnostic for human Pneumocystis carinii infection, and rise in levels towards normal correlated with successful treatment. Diagnosis of P. carinii injection and monitoring of progress of treatment based thereon are described.