Mycobacterium avium complex
A serious opportunistic infection that is caused by two similar bacteria, Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intercellulare, which are found in the soil and in dust particles. Abbreviated MAC. In persons with suppressed immune systems, such as people with AIDS, MAC can spread through the bloodstream to infect lymph nodes, bone marrow, the liver, the spleen, spinal fluid, the lungs, and the intestinal tract. Typical symptoms of MAC include night sweats, weight loss, fever, fatigue, diarrhea, and enlarged spleen. Antibiotics are commonly used in MAC prevention (for persons with suppressed immune systems) and treatment.
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(MAP) A bacterium that causes Johne’s disease, a form of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in cattle and other species, including primates. Because Johne’s disease is in some ways quite similar to Crohn’s disease in humans, MAP has been suspected of playing a role in Crohn’s disease, too. This matter has been the subject of […]
- Mycobacterium chelonae
A type of bacteria related to that which causes chronic illness and which is commonly found in soil and sometimes in sputum. M. chelonae is one of a group of rapidly growing mycobacteria that can cause postoperative wound infections in soft tissue and bone in otherwise healthy persons and disseminated disease in people with impaired […]
- Mycobacterium intercellulare
Mycobacterium avian complex.
- Mycobacterium marinum
A bacterium found in both fresh and salt water that can cause disease in fish and people. Skin infection with M. marinum is usually acquired from swimming pools, aquariums, or fish-handling. People who have breaks in the skin such as cuts and scrapes are at increased risk. One form of the infection known as “swimming […]
- Mycobacterium ulcerans
The bacterium that causes Buruli ulcer. Mycobacterium ulcerans is a member of the family of bacteria that causes tuberculosis and leprosy.