Anti-Mycobacterium Avium [Clone JD11-419.2] - 1.0 mg

Mycobacteria are small, slow-growing, aerobic bacilli. They are distinguished by a complex, lipid- rich cell envelope responsible for their characterization as acid-fast (i.e. resistant to decolorization by acid after staining with carbolfuchsin) and their relative resistance to Gram stain. The most common mycobacterial infection is tuberculosis; others include leprosy and various diseases caused by Mycobacterium avium complex. The term Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) refers to two species: M. avium and M. intracellulare. Because these species are difficult to differentiate, they are also collectively referred to as Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI) . MAC primarily affects individuals who are immune compromised (e.g., from AIDS, hairy cell leukemia, immunosuppressive chemotherapy) .