Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC)
Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) affects the intestines and inner organs first.
Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is a serious bacterial infection that affects HIV+ people. MAC is related to tuberculosis. MAC is otherwise called as Mycobacterium avium intracellulare (MAI) or Opportunistic Infections (KSOI) or gay compromise syndrome. A multi-center trial has shown that rifabutin or Mycobutin, clarithromycin and Azithromycin can nearly cut in half the rate at which people develop MAC. The infection is usually found only in people with fewer than 50 T4 cells. The symptoms of MAC can include weight loss, fevers, chills, night sweats, swollen glands, abdominal pains, diarrhea and overall weakness. MAC usually affects the intestines and inner organs first, causing liver tests to be high. Swelling and inflammation also occur.
