![]() | ||
![]() | ||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Mycobacterium avium Feb 8, 2005 My husband has mycobacterium avium infection and for 6 months has been treated with a combination of Biaxin,Levaquin and Rifampin, there is no significant change in his overall health. Why is the medication not helping him? |
|
![]() |
|||
![]() |
|||
![]() |
![]() |
Response from Dr. Conway
I can think of three important possibilities (there may well be others): 1. He is not on HAART. Despite being on good treatment for MAC, it will not get better unless the immune system improves, and this can only be done with HAART. Specifically, the CD4 count needs to rise above 100 and stay there for some time. This, in addition to the anti-MAC antibiotics, will probably do the trick... 2. The strain of MAC he is carrying is resistant to the antibiotics he is taking. This can be tested in the laboratory. 3. The diagnosis of MAC is either incomplete or incorrect. There is something else going on instead of (or in addition to) the MAC. |
![]() hives and rash | ![]() RE: too early to have begun treatment? |
![]() | ![]() |

Q&A TERMS OF USE
This forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not rendering medical, mental health, legal or other professional advice or services. If you have or suspect you may have a medical, mental health, legal or other problem that requires advice, consult your own caregiver, attorney or other qualified professional.
Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither TheBody.com nor any advertiser is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Review our complete terms of use and copyright notice.
