Mycobacterium avium complex | |
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Species complex: | Mycobacterium avium complex
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Binomial name | |
Mycobacterium intracellulare Runyon 1965,[1] ATCC 13950
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Mycobacterium avium Chester 1901 emend. Thorel et al. 1990
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Mycobacterium avium complex is a group of mycobacteria comprising Mycobacterium intracellulare and Mycobacterium avium that are commonly grouped because they infect humans together; this group, in turn, is part of the group of nontuberculous mycobacteria. These bacteria cause Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infections or Mycobacterium avium complex infections in humans.[2] These bacteria are common and are found in fresh and salt water, in household dust and in soil.[3] MAC bacteria usually cause infection in those who are immunocompromised or those with severe lung disease.