Mycobacterium avium intracellulare

Synonyms and key words: MAI

Overview
Mycobacterium avium intracellulare is an atypical mycobacterial infection which can occur in the later stages of AIDS. It can also affect women who do not have AIDS and usually first presents as a persistent cough. It is normally treated with a series of 3 antibiotics for a period of at least 6 months.

Pathophysiology
MAI is a saprotrophic organism that is present in soil and water, entry is usually via the GI tract but also can be via the lungs.

Clinical manifestations
It causes fevers, diarrhoea, malabsorption and anorexia and it can disseminate to the bone marrow.

Treatment
Therapy for MAI presents a challenge as it is typically resistant to standard mycobacterial therapies.