Final answer:
MAC infections are treated with a regimen similar to TB that includes a combination of antibiotics such as macrolides and ethambutol, often supplemented with rifamycins, over at least 12 months.
Step-by-step explanation:
Treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections can be similar to the treatment for tuberculosis (TB), but there are differences in drug selection and treatment duration. MAC therapy typically includes a combination of antibiotics such as macrolides (e.g., azithromycin or clarithromycin), ethambutol, and sometimes rifamycins (like rifampin or rifabutin).
The number of drugs used can vary, but at least two or three are often prescribed to prevent resistance. Treatment duration is lengthy and can extend to at least 12 months and sometimes longer, depending on the patient's response and if the patient is immunocompromised, such as in AIDS.