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At what CD4 count should Pneumocystis jiroveci (formerly P. carinii) pneumonia prophylaxis be initiated in an HIV-positive patient? When should Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI) prophylaxis be started?

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Final answer:

Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis should be initiated in HIV-positive patients with a CD4 count less than 200 cells/μL. Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI) prophylaxis is recommended for HIV-positive patients with a CD4 count less than 50 cells/μL.

Step-by-step explanation:

Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis should be initiated in HIV-positive patients when their CD4 count is less than 200 cells/μL or when they have a history of a prior episode of PCP. PCP is caused by the fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii and is commonly found in patients with AIDS and other immunocompromised individuals.

On the other hand, Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI) prophylaxis is recommended for HIV-positive patients with a CD4 count less than 50 cells/μL. MAI is a bacterial infection that can cause severe disease in immunocompromised individuals.

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