Mycobacterium avium complex

Not to be confused with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex.

Mycobacterium avium complex
Scientific classification
Domain:
Bacteria
Phylum:
Actinomycetota
Class:
Actinomycetia
Order:
Mycobacteriales
Family:
Mycobacteriaceae
Genus:
Mycobacterium
Species complex:
Mycobacterium avium complex
Binomial name
Mycobacterium intracellulare
Runyon 1965,[1] ATCC 13950
Mycobacterium avium
Chester 1901 emend. Thorel et al. 1990

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.

  1. ^ Runyon, E. 1965. Pathogenic mycobacteria. Advances in Tuberculosis Research, 14, 235-287.
  2. ^ "Mycobacterium Avium Complex. MAI; MAC Information". Patient Info. 29 August 2014.
  3. ^ "Mycobacterium Avium Complex infections | Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) – an NCATS Program". rarediseases.info.nih.gov. Retrieved 2020-03-29.