title: Mycobacterial complications of HIV infection.
abstract: Tuberculosis is the most common opportunistic infection worldwide and is caused by the only readily transmissible pathogen among persons with HIV infection. If treatment is initiated promptly and is supervised appropriately, cure, fortunately, is highly likely. Isoniazid preventive therapy substantially reduces the risk of tuberculosis in persons with HIV infection. Of the nontuberculous mycobacteria, Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is the most frequent cause of disease; however, disseminated MAC disease usually is not seen until the CD4+ cell count is less than 50 cells/L. Newer agents, such as the macrolides and rifabutin, form the nucleus of treatment regimens and also are effective in preventing the disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, USA.
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Chin
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Hopewell
mesh_terms: D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D009164:Mycobacterium Infections; D009165:Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous; D018088:Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary