Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM)
M. avium complex, M. genavense, M. kansasii
Primary Prophylaxis
Prophylaxis is not recommended if ART is started
Prophylaxis may be considered for persons with CD4 counts < 50 cells/μL who remain viremic on ART (drug resistant HIV with no option to achieve virologic control); exclude disseminated MAC disease before starting
Drug / Dose | Comments | |
---|---|---|
Regimens listed are alternatives |
azithromycin 1200-1250 mg/week po |
Check for interactions with ARVs, see Drug-drug Interactions between ARVs or and Non-ARVs
|
OR clarithromycin 500 mg bid po |
||
OR |
Check for interactions with ARVs, see Drug-drug Interactions between ARVs or and Non-ARVs Active TB should be ruled out before starting rifabutin |
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis:
clinical appearance and cultures of blood, lymph nodes, bone marrow or other usually sterile specimen.
Notes on treatment:
for any treatment regimen, check interactions with ARVs, see Drug-drug Interactions between ARVs and Non-ARVs and Anti-infective and ART interactions table
Active TB should be ruled out before starting anti-TB drugs (rifampicin, rifabutin, ethambutol, isoniazid)
Drug / Dose | Comments | |
---|---|---|
Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAC) Preferred therapy |
clarithromycin
rifabutin can be replaced by: |
- 12 months, then secondary prophylaxis In case of drug interactions or intolerance, azithromycin 500 mg qd po may be used in place of clarithromycin - rifabutin can be considered in case of severe disease, if resistance to macrolides or ethambutol is suspected, or in case of high bacterial load (> 2*log of CFU/mL of blood). Rifabutin is indicated if ART is not given levofloxacin/moxifloxacin or amikacin can be considered as 4th drug for disseminated or severe/refractory disease (no data on additional benefit) |
Mycobacterium kansasii |
rifampicin |
12 months after negative culture |
OR |
Secondary Prophylaxis / Maintenance Therapy
MAC infection
Stop: if CD4 count > 100 cells/μL and HIV-VL undetectable over 6 months and MAC treatment for at least 12 months
Drug / Dose | |
---|---|
Mycobacterium avium (MAC) Regimens listed are alternatives |
clarithromycin |
OR |