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What is the treatment for M. avium-intracellulare?

User BrianKE
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Final answer:

Treatment for M. avium-intracellulare infection includes a combination of antibiotics, particularly macrolides combined with ethambutol and rifamycins. The choice of antibiotics and treatment duration should be personalized by a healthcare provider based on the patient's specific needs and condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The treatment for M. avium-intracellulare, an infection caused by the Mycobacterium avium complex, typically includes a combination of antibiotics. Often, a mix of macrolides (such as azithromycin or clarithromycin) and other antibiotics like ethambutol and rifamycins (e.g., rifampin) are used for treatment. This treatment regimen is especially important for patients with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, to prevent or manage disseminated disease. Due to the complex nature of the infection, the exact combination and duration of antibiotics can vary and should be determined by a healthcare provider based on the patient's specific condition.

It is important to note that treatment for other infections, such as listeriosis, cryptococcosis, and cholera, involve different types of antibiotics or methods. For example, listeriosis typically requires antibiotics like ampicillin and gentamicin, while cryptococcosis treatment often involves amphotericin B and flucytosine, followed by fluconazole. Cholera treatment mainly focuses on rehydration and, if necessary, antibiotics like tetracycline or azithromycin.

User GreatHam
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