Mycobacterium avium complex
Mycobacterium avium complex
Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) (/maɪkoʊbækˈtɪəriəm ˈeɪviəm ˈkɒmpleks/), also known as Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAI), is a group of mycobacteria comprising Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare. The complex is named after the two main species of bacteria found within it.
Etymology
The term "Mycobacterium" is derived from the Greek words mykes (meaning fungus) and bakterion (meaning small rod), referring to the fact that these organisms are rod-shaped and were originally mistaken for fungi due to their similar growth patterns. The species names "avium" and "intracellulare" refer to the organisms' ability to infect birds and their intracellular lifestyle, respectively.
Description
MAC organisms are gram-positive, acid-fast bacilli that are ubiquitous in the environment. They can cause a variety of diseases in humans, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS. Infections caused by MAC are referred to as MAC disease or MAC infection.
Related Terms
- Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis: A subspecies of Mycobacterium avium that causes Johne's disease in cattle.
- Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium: A subspecies of Mycobacterium avium that is primarily a bird pathogen but can also infect humans.
- Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis: A subspecies of Mycobacterium avium that primarily infects humans and pigs.
- Nontuberculous mycobacteria: A group of mycobacteria, including MAC, that do not cause tuberculosis.
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis: The bacterium that causes tuberculosis, a disease similar to some forms of MAC disease.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mycobacterium avium complex
- Wikipedia's article - Mycobacterium avium complex
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