Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection ( MAI ) is an atypical
mycobacterial infection, i.e. one with nontuberculous mycobacteria or NTM,
caused by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), which is made of two
Mycobacterium species, M. avium and M. intracellulare. This infection
causes respiratory illness in birds, pigs, and humans, especially in
immunocompromised people. In the later stages of AIDS, it can be very severe.
It usually first presents as a persistent cough. It is typically treated with
a series of three antibiotics for a period of at least six months.
M. avium , M. intracellulare , and M.