Who Gets Mac

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Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC)

Introduction Mycobacterium Avium Complex (my-koe-back-teer-ee-um ay-vee-um com-plecks) disease is among the most common bacterial infections in people with HIV. In one study, MAC bacteria were found in the blood of 43% of people within two years of diagnosis with AIDS. MAC is most likely to occur in people with CD4+ cell counts below 50 and at least one other opportunistic infection (OI). Routine blood tests from people with low CD4+ cell...

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MAC Again?

Hi,I was diagnosed with MAC about five years ago. It was my first and only serious OI even though I had a CD4 count of zero for three years. Now I have been told I have it again. My CD4 count is 207 (31). My doctor says its a recurrence of my old...

Response from Judith Feinberg, M.D.

University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine

As I responded to the other "MAC again?" question, I think you have an "immune reconstitution syndrome". Ironically, this means your MAC disease is active because your immune system can now 'recognize' the germ in a... Read more »

MAC, biaxcin and nutrition

My father has a mycobacterium and is taking biaxcin until they get a complete diagnosis (2 weeks). He is 73yo and pretty frail. We would like to make sure he is getting the appropriate foods to help deal with the medication and to prepare his body...

Response from Alvan Fisher, M.D.

Brown University School of Medicine

If he has MAC then you can expect weight loss to be part of his problem until this gets under control. He needs a high protein diet to help counteract acute wasting. He may need enteral supplementation if he is unable to take in enough calories.... Read more »

AIDS/MAC & Refusal of Treatment

I'm a Shanti-trained emotional support volunteer. My patient has AIDS and was diagnosed with MAC in November (1996).He is refusing treatment, both for AIDS and MAC. I see plenty of information on what will happen to folks who treat MAC,but what...

Response from Cal Cohen, M.D., M.S.

Harvard Medical School

The main symptoms of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) are fevers, chills, and night sweats, caused by the presence of the bacteria in the blood. With time weight loss and wasting generally occur. If untreated MAC will go on to... Read more »

where get Mac blood test?

I asked about getting checked and treated for Mac a couple of weeks ago without response, since no other responses presume you may be on vacation. I have now had a severe sore throat and ear problems for 3 1/2 weeks, Last fall I was sick with same...

Response from Judith Currier, M.D.

University of CA, LA School of Medicine

Sorry for the delay in answering your question. People with HIV usually do not get sick from MAC unless they have T cells below 50. It is possible to be exposed to it from multiple sources, but usually the body can fight is off. This is why it is... Read more »

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MAC IV Therapy

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

I'm thinking of stopping IV therapy for MAC....can anyone tell me if they've done that...and if so.....did you feel better or worse without the meds? My CD4+ cell count is still below 50.....the meds make me feel so awful I have to wonder if the MAC... Read more »

MAC. & low cd-4

Posted by danni, 3 Replies

i am terrified, i just learned that i have mac. my viral load is 87,000, my cd-4; only 14. my doc. did start meds for me, but i can't get past the fear that it's too late. with my blood counts, is mac, a sure death sentence? i appreciate any... Read more »

Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC)

Posted by Anonymous

Good day! I just found out that I have some bacteria in my blood. I'm low with t4cell at 1 so my doctor says that I have MAC. I wanted to know if anyone has experience this and has anyone gotten better. This could explain my many symptoms... Read more »

MAC Therapy and Thank you's

Posted by EMDD

Thank you all for your kind words and encouragment....I made the leap and stopped MAC therapy....3 days and counting....I feel so much more like my old self....I was beginning to think I never would again.....life is good....my best advice is to do... Read more »

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