I was recently hospitalized for what was believed to be TB. Prior to that I was diagnosed with encephalitis and found out I was HIV+. CD4 counts have went from 70 when initially diagnosed to 300. Test results showed that it was MAC, not TB. I was on the TB regime, taking mycobutin instead of rifimpin. Everything I read about mycobutin(rifabutin) seems to point that it does not mix well with my other HIV meds (Combovir and Viracept), as well my white blood cell count was depleted due to cytovene. Should I be concerned and what are my options?

You are asking very good questions: It is very common for people to be started on meds for TB and then later find out it is MAC, especially when the CD4 count is above 50 since MAC was previously rare with T cells above 50, however reports of MAC occuring soon after seeing an increase in T cells have not occurring albeit rarely.

In terms of MAC therapy many people consider the mainstay to be the combination of clarithromycin and ethambutol. The addition of rifabutin may be beneficial, but you are right it does not mix well, especially with protease inhibitors. There is some information about using a lower dose of rifabutin (150 mg a day) with nelfinavir (viracept) or indinavir. I would discuss this with your doctor, it may be possible to treat the MAC with clarithromycin and ethambutol alone. It is also true that rifabutin can cause lower white blood counts so this may be another reason to go with the clarithromycin and ethambutol.

I hope this helps. -JC