UNDERSTANDING MAC INFECTION: What is MAC Infection?
Being Alive Newsletter, Being Alive/Los Angeles - March 1993
MAC is an opportunistic infection caused by two similar types of bacteria named Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare. Because these bacteria are so similar, they are referred to together as "MAC," which stands for "Mycobacterium avium complex" (the disease or infection they cause is also commonly referred to as "MAC"). It has been determined, however, that Mycobacterium avium is the predominant organism seen in most MAC infections in people with AIDS.
The MAC organisms are a specific type of bacteria known as "mycobacteria." You may already be familiar with another type of mycobacteria, called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which (as the name implies) is responsible for causing tuberculosis.
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AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Roxane Laboratories, the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1993. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.