Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection

Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection (pronounced: my-co-bac-teer-ee-um a-vee-um in-tra-sel-yoo-lar-ee in-fek-shun) is a type of bacterial infection caused by two types of bacteria: Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare. This infection is also known as MAI or MAC (Mycobacterium Avium Complex).

Etymology

The term Mycobacterium is derived from the Greek words mykes (meaning fungus) and bakterion (meaning small rod). This is due to the fact that under a microscope, the bacteria resemble a fungus and are rod-shaped. Avium comes from the Latin word for bird, as this type of bacteria was first found in birds. Intracellulare refers to the bacteria's ability to live inside the cells of a host.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection can vary greatly depending on the individual and the severity of the infection. Common symptoms can include fever, weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, the infection can lead to more serious conditions such as pneumonia or bloodstream infection.

Treatment

Treatment for Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection typically involves a combination of antibiotics over a long period of time. The specific antibiotics used can vary depending on the individual's health and the severity of the infection.

Related Terms

• Mycobacterium
• Bacterial infection
• Antibiotics
• Pneumonia
• Bloodstream infection

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection
• Wikipedia's article - Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection

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