Sources and Symptoms
MAC bacteria are common in the environment and cause infection when inhaled or swallowed. Symptoms are reminiscent of tuberculosis (TB), and include fever, fatigue, and weight loss. Many patients will have anemia and neutropenia if bone marrow is involved. Pulmonary involvement is similar to TB, while diarrhea and abdominal pain are associated with gastrointestinal involvement. MAC bacteria should always be considered in a person with HIV infection presenting with diarrhea. Recently, M. avium has been found to deposit and grow in bathroom shower heads from which it may be easily aerosolized and inhaled.
The various subspecies of M. avium are prevalent in different areas:
- M. a. avium (MAA) primarily affects birds, but has also been found in ruminant mammals, especially deer.
- M. a. paratuberculosis (MAP) causes paratuberculosis, or Johne's Disease, and also is usually found in mammals.
MAI is common in immunocompromised individuals, including senior citizens and those suffering from HIV or cystic fibrosis; however, these diseases, particularly Lady Windermere syndrome, do not require the individual to be immunocompromised.
Read more about this topic: Mycobacterium Avium-intracellulare Infection
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