Mycobacterium avium-complex (MAC, MAI, non-HIV)

Christopher J. Hoffmann, M.D., M.P.H.

MICROBIOLOGY

M. avium and M. intracellulare: slow-growing mycobacteria (10-21 days on solid media), often referred to as MAI complex.
- M. intracellulare: principally causes pulmonary disease.
- M. avium: more likely to cause disseminated disease (among immunocompromised people).
- M chimaera and several other sub-spp. also fits within MAC (see separate module).
Environmental sources, especially water, are the reservoir for most human infections.

There's more to see -- the rest of this topic is available only to subscribers.