
HIV Support Group
HIV (also known as human immunodeficiency virus, and formerly known as HTLV-III and lymphadenopathy-associated virus) is a retrovirus that primarily infects vital components of the human immune system which can lead the syndrome known as AIDS. Many of the problems faced by people infected with HIV result from failure of the immune system to protect from opportunistic...
1) Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) comprises two closely related organisms, M. avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare. It is a BACTERIA NOT A VIRUS
2) In patients with AIDS (usually with a CD4 count less than 100) it causes a disseminated disease
3) Occurrence of disseminated MAC disease increased with the HIV pandemic but has declined with the introduction of effective antiretroviral therapy.
4) Prophylaxis is given to patients with a CD4 count less than 100 to prevent MAC infection (biaxin or rifabutin are usually used)
5) Infection is acquired through inhalation or ingestion of MAC, followed by localized disease in the lung or gut. 6) Dissemination ensues from either location over several months. In patients with AIDS, 80% to 90% of infections are acquired by ingestion.
7) SYMPTOMS: In early reports, more than 90% of persons with disseminated MAC had high fever, weight loss, night sweats, or severe anemia (hematocrit
7) hematocrit less than 25
8) TREATMENT: Usually with 2-3 drug regimen which must include clarithromycin (biaxin) or azithromycin (zithromax) in addition to ethambutol,rifabutin, rifampin, ciprofloxacin or amikacin.
Hope this helps
Dr O.
It was very helpful to me. When I was diagnosed HIV poz in 2001 I had PCP, MAC, Chlamydia and a yeast infection through out my entire body including lungs.
My counts were not encouraging at 500,000/20. My MAC infection was displaying all of the lovely symptoms that you listed above, along with diahrrea that was dark green in color.
I was put on the regimine for it that you listed,and today I am happy to report that along with the aid of HAART my 20 little soldiers prevailed and I am now UN/569 and growing.
:)
I can only think he/she is talking about culture results...when you are looking for mycobacterium (TB or MAC) you STAIN it for AFB (acid fast bacilli) and see if it is positive...did you have cultures done? if so...thats what they mean..whether or not they "stain for AFB"
Dr O.