Disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex: correlation between blood and tissue burden.
To determine the relationship between levels of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in blood and tissues, histopathologic examination and quantitative MAC cultures were done on blood samples and tissue samples of 7 organs at autopsy of 10 AIDS patients who had been treated for MAC bacteremia. Blood and tissue cultures were negative for MAC for 3 of the patients and positive for 7. The numbers of MAC colony-forming units in the blood and tissues were highly correlated. The highest concentrations of MAC were observed in the reticuloendothelial organs, with a maximum of 6.9 log10 cfu/g in mesenteric lymph nodes and 6.8 log10 cfu/g in spleen. Histopathologic findings paralleled quantitative cultures and were consistent with entry of MAC via lymphatics through the gastrointestinal tract, followed by hematogenous dissemination.
Torriani
F J
FJ
Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA.
Behling
C A
CA
McCutchan
J A
JA
Haubrich
R H
RH
Havlir
D V
DV
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001344:Autopsy; D016470:Bacteremia; D017291:Clarithromycin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015269:Mycobacterium avium Complex / Q000254:growth & development*; D015270:Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection / Q000382:microbiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D017291:Clarithromycin