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MAC can be mild and localized or severe, affecting the entire body. Common symptoms include enlarged lymph nodes and fever. Other symptoms may include drenching sweats, diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, mastitis (inflamed mammary glands), pyomyositis (inflamed muscle tissue), cutaneous (skin) abscess, brain abscess, anemia (low levels of red blood cells), neutropenia (low levels of white blood cells), thrombocytopenia (low levels of platelets), blood infections, viral hepatitis (viral infection of the liver), skin lesions and elevated liver function tests. The liver or spleen may also be enlarged. There have also been reports of immune reconstitution syndrome (IRIS) associated with MAC. Once the immunocompromised patient receives treatment that restores immune system function, the body is capable of recognizing infectious organisms, such as MAC. If an infectious organism is present, it will trigger an overproduction of inflammatory mediators. This condition is called IRIS. This condition typically occurs shortly after highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is initiated. Most cases of IRIS resolve in a few weeks with continued HIV treatment.
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