Mycobacterium avium complex
(Redirected from Mycobacterium intracellulare)
Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is a group of bacteria that are related to tuberculosis. These bacteria can infect humans, but they can also infect birds and other animals. In humans, MAC can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, weight loss, and lung disease. MAC is particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS.
History[edit | edit source]
MAC was first identified in the 1950s. Since then, it has been recognized as a significant cause of disease in humans, particularly in those with weakened immune systems. The complex is named after the two most common species, Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare.
Transmission[edit | edit source]
MAC bacteria are found in many different environments, including soil, water, and dust. They can be inhaled or ingested, and can also enter the body through wounds. Once inside the body, they can cause infection.
Symptoms and Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Symptoms of MAC infection can vary widely, depending on the individual and the severity of the infection. Common symptoms include fever, weight loss, fatigue, and night sweats. In severe cases, MAC can cause serious lung disease.
Diagnosis of MAC is typically made through a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory tests. These tests can include blood tests, sputum culture, and chest X-ray.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for MAC typically involves a combination of antibiotics. The specific antibiotics used can vary, depending on the individual and the severity of the infection. In some cases, long-term antibiotic therapy may be necessary.
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Prevention of MAC involves avoiding exposure to the bacteria. This can be difficult, as the bacteria are widespread in the environment. However, individuals with weakened immune systems may be advised to take precautions, such as avoiding certain high-risk activities and taking prophylactic antibiotics.
See also[edit | edit source]
This infectious disease related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.
| Mycobacterium avium complex Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
