How to Fight a Mycobacterium Avium Complex Infection

Mycobacterium avium complex, or MAC, are a group of bacteria that can enter your body via your respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. The bacteria is predominantly associated with AIDS/HIV patients. As indicated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 30 percent of AIDS infected individuals will get MAC. A MAC infection doesn't develop until your T-cell count drops below 50. Your T-cells, or T lymphocytes, are a type of cell responsible for helping your immune system combat disease and infections. Treating a MAC infection is important to prevent reinfection.

Things You'll Need

• Clarithromycin
• Azithromycin
• Ethambutol
• Rifabutin

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Instructions

• 1

  Speak to your physician about the progression of your disease.

  Consult with your physician on the severity of your infection prior to taking drug therapy. Depending on whether the infection is disseminated (spread through areas of the body such as the organs and tissues), treatment will vary.

• 2

  Begin taking rifabutin, as indicated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rifabutin is taken daily and side effects may include nausea, rashes and anemia.

• 3

  Begin a drug therapy regimen if you have disseminated MAC. A drug regimen can include one of the following; clarithromycin and ethambutol or azizthromycin and ethambutol. Rifabutin may also be used in conjunction with your regimen.

• 4

  Make sure to have a physician closely monitor you during your treatment for MAC.

  Ensure that you're monitored by your physician. Your physician will need to watch for signs of improvement in your infection. If not, a switch in your drug regimen will need to be made.

• 5

  Get your blood tested.

  Get blood cultures after one month and then after three months into your treatment. Blood cultures will confirm if the infection is being eliminated from your body.