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Mycobacterium Avium Complex
Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is a group of bacteria, commonly found in soil or water, that can infect people who have acquired immunodeficiency disease (AIDS). In people whose CD4+ cell count drops below 50 cells per microliter (mcL), the bacteria can spread throughout the body and cause infection almost anywhere.
Symptoms include:
- Night sweats.
- Fever.
- Diarrhea.
- Fatigue.
- Weight loss.
- Belly pain.
There is no easy way to avoid exposure to Mycobacterium avium complex bacteria. But medicines are available that can prevent disease.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: April 8, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Peter Shalit, MD, PhD - Internal Medicine | |
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