Sources of disseminated Mycobacterium avium infection in AIDS

C. F. von Reyn*, R. D. Arbeit, C. R. Horsburg, M. A. Ristola, R. D. Waddell, S. M. Tvaroha, M. Samore, L. R. Hirschhorn, J. Lumio, A. D. Lein, M. R. Grove, A. N A Tosteson

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

60 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: To identify the sources of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection in AIDS. Methods: HIV positive subjects with CD4 counts <100/mm3 in Atlanta, Boston, New Hampshire and Finland were entered in a prospective cohort study. Subjects were interviewed about potential MAC exposures, had phlebotomy performed for determination of antibody to mycobacterial lipoarabinomannin and for culture. Patient-directed water samples were collected from places of residence, work and recreation. Patients were followed for the development of disseminated MAC. Univariate and multivariate risk factors for MAC were analyzed. Results: Disseminated MAC was identified in 31 (9%) subjects. Significant risks in univariate analysis included prior Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) (hazard ratio 1.821), consumption of spring water (4.909), consumption of raw seafood (34.3), gastrointestinal endoscopy (2.894), and showering outside the home (0.388). PCP, showering and endoscopy remained significant in a Cox proportional hazards model. There was no association between M. avium colonization of home water and risk of MAC. In patients with CD4 < 25, median OD antibody levels to lipoarabinomannin at baseline were 0.054 among patients who did not develop MAC and 0.021 among patients who did develop MAC (P = 0.077). Conclusions: MAC infection results from diverse and likely undetectable environmental and nosocomial exposures. Mycobacterial infection before HIV infection may confer protection against disseminated MAC in advanced AIDS.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)166-170
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Infection
Volume44
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2002

Funding

Supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (AI 30373).

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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