Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Mycobacterium avium intracellulaire
Introduction
Synonyms and key words: MAI
Overview
Overview
Mycobacterium avium intracellulare is an atypical mycobacterial infection which can occur in the later stages of AIDS. It can also affect women who do not have AIDS and usually first presents as a persistent cough.
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology
MAI is a saprotrophic organism that is present in soil and water, entry is usually via the GI tract but also can be via the lungs.
Clinical manifestations
Clinical manifestations
It causes fevers, diarrhoea, malabsorption and anorexia and it can disseminate to the bone marrow.
Treatment
Treatment
Therapy for MAI presents a challenge as it is typically resistant to standard mycobacterial therapies. It is normally treated with a series of 3 antibiotics for a period of at least 6 months.
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]