MYCOBACTERIAL COMPLICATIONS OF HIV-INFECTION

Tuberculosis is the most common opportunistic infection worldwide and is caused by the only readily transmissible pathogen among persons wit h PW infection If treatment is initiated promptly and is supervised ap propriately, cure,fortunately, is highly likely. Isoniazid preventive therapy substantially reduces the risk of tuberculosis in persons with HIV infection. Of the nontuberculous mycobacteria, Mycobacterium aviu m complex (MAC) is the most frequent cause of disease; however, dissem inated MAC disease usually is not seen until the CD4+ cell count is le ss than 50 cells/L. Newer agents, such as the macrolides and rifabutin , form the nucleus of treatment regimens and also are effective in pre venting the disease.