Disease caused by “atypical” mycobacteria is often less severe than tuberculosis and not communicable from person to person. M avium complex is an important and common cause of disseminated disease in late stages of AIDS.
Azithromycin or clarithromycin, plus ethambutol are effective and well-tolerated regimen for treatment of disseminated disease. Some authorities recommend use of a third agent, ciprofloxacin or rifabutin. Rifabutin in a single daily dose of 300 mg has been shown to reduce the incidence of M avium complex bacteremia in AIDS. Clarithromycin also effectively prevents MAC bacteremia in AIDS patients.
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