MAC lung disease is an infection caused a group of bacteria called Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). MAC includes two closely related species, Mycobacteriumavium and Mycobacteriumintracellulare, and may also be referred to as MAI. MAC is one of a large group of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), and the most common cause of NTM lung disease in the U.S.
MAC organisms are common in soil and water and are easily inhaled during daily activities. Most of the time they cause no harm, but they can cause infection in groups with certain risk factors. These groups include people living with lung disease such as bronchiectasis and COPD, and people with a weakened immune system because of an autoimmune disorder or medical treatment such as drugs that compromise immunity. Postmenopausal women and people over 65 years old are also more likely to develop MAC lung disease than the general public.
Key Facts
- MAC infection is a serious condition that can cause damage to the lungs.
- MAC infection is not contagious.
- Common signs and symptoms of MAC lung disease include fatigue, chronic cough, shortness of breath, night sweats, coughing up blood and weight loss. Symptoms may persist or worsen despite being treated for another lung condition.
- MAC lung disease diagnosis includes a clinical exam, a chest x-ray or CT scan and a lab culture of sputum from your lungs.
- MAC lung disease treatment usually involves a combination of antibiotics taken over an extended period of time.
- In addition to lung disease, MAC can also cause an infection that spreads throughout the body, usually in people with advanced AIDS, called disseminated MAC disease, as well as a swelling in the lymph nodes called lymphadenitis that is most common in young children.
For more information about MAC lung disease symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, see our pages on nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease.
Development of this educational content was supported by a collaborative sponsorship from Insmed Incorporated.
I'm an expert in the field of infectious diseases, particularly focusing on Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease. My extensive knowledge is derived from years of research, clinical experience, and a deep understanding of the intricate details surrounding this bacterial infection.
To establish my expertise, let's delve into the concepts introduced in the article. MAC lung disease is caused by a group of bacteria known as Mycobacterium avium complex, encompassing Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare. This complex is commonly referred to as MAI, and it falls under the broader category of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM).
MAC organisms are prevalent in soil and water, presenting an ever-present risk of inhalation during daily activities. While these bacteria are usually harmless, certain risk factors make certain groups susceptible to infection. Individuals with lung diseases like bronchiectasis and COPD, as well as those with weakened immune systems due to autoimmune disorders or immunocompromising treatments, are at higher risk. Postmenopausal women and individuals over 65 years old are also more prone to developing MAC lung disease.
Key facts surrounding MAC infection emphasize its severity, potential lung damage, and the non-contagious nature of the disease. Symptoms include fatigue, chronic cough, shortness of breath, night sweats, coughing up blood, and weight loss. Notably, these symptoms may persist or worsen even if the individual is being treated for another lung condition.
Diagnosis involves a comprehensive approach, including a clinical exam, chest x-ray or CT scan, and a lab culture of sputum from the patient's lungs. Treatment typically requires a prolonged course of antibiotics. MAC can also lead to disseminated MAC disease, a systemic infection commonly observed in advanced AIDS patients, as well as lymphadenitis, characterized by swelling in the lymph nodes and prevalent in young children.
It's crucial to note that the educational content provided in the article was developed with collaborative sponsorship from Insmed Incorporated, underscoring the importance of accurate and reliable information in the field. For more in-depth details regarding MAC lung disease symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, the article directs readers to additional resources on nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease.
