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- M. avium and M. intracellulare bacteria cause MAC infections. More than 95% of MAC infections in patients with HIV/AIDS are caused by M. avium. MAC is the most common cause of infection by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in patients with AIDS.
- These bacteria are very common. They are present in water, soil, dust and food. In fact, these bacteria are present in almost every human. However, a healthy immune system will prevent the bacteria from causing an infection. Therefore, individuals with a weakened immune system, especially HIV/AIDS patients, are at risk of developing MAC.
- MAC infection in AIDS patients is associated with a CD4
cell count of less than 50 cells per microliter of blood.
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