dashman@rti.rti.org (Eric Dashman) (09/07/89)
I'm sorry if this subject has already been discussed, but I need some information on the prognosis for a secondary infection. The brother of a friend is in the late stages of AIDS and has contracted MAI, macrobacterium avium intracellurae...a form of TB as I understand it. He's had chronic migraines and fever for a while. We'd appreciate any information related to additional consequences of MAI for the AIDS sufferer as well as the (hopefully) longer-term prognosis for this secondary invasion. Thanks in advance. Eric Dashman PS - if the subject has been discussed, email responses would be greatly appreciated. I can be reached at dashman@rti.rti.org.
Wounded.Bird@ncar.UCAR.EDU (Wounded Bird) (09/14/89)
Here is some information that I quote from a resource prepared by Health Crisis
Network in Miami:
MAI infection is caused by a bacteria commonly found in the environment, in
soil, and is not spread from person to person. Because of the deficient immune
system in people with AIDS , it may spread throughout the blood, lymph nodes,
bone marrow, liver, lungs and gastrointestinal tract. One of the family of
Mycobacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, causes T.B., and occurs in one
quarter to one-half of people with AIDS.
The most common symptom of MAI is prolonged, severe wasting. Other symptoms
include fever, fatigue, weight loss, swollen glands, night sweats and diareah.
The symptoms are thus very similar to other opportunistic infections found in
people with AIDS, and it may be difficult to determine the onset of an MAI
infection.
Treatment involves a multidrug regimen, perhaps as many as six of the standard
antituberculosis medications - INH, ethambutol, rifampin, cycloserine and
amikacin or streptomycin. In advanced cases, you or your doctor may have to
make a decision whether or not to treat MAI in light of the side effects and
toxicity of the medications.
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