Human immunodeficiency virus type 1-related pulmonary Mycobacterium xenopi infection: a need to treat?

Clin Infect Dis. 2003 Nov 1;37(9):1250-4. doi: 10.1086/378806. Epub 2003 Oct 7.

Abstract

We report treatment decisions and outcomes for 20 patients who were infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and were receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) who had respiratory symptoms and from whom Mycobacterium xenopi was isolated. All patients also had coexisting pulmonary pathologic conditions. The median blood T cell CD4 count was 37 cells/microL (range, 2-480 cells/microL). Fifteen of 20 patients received no antimycobacterial therapy and remain healthy after a median of approximately 4 years of follow-up, and 2 patients required treatment specifically for M. xenopi infection, both showing clinical improvement. We conclude that pulmonary M. xenopi isolation in HIV-1 patients receiving HAART does not usually require specific treatment.

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / microbiology*
  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections / immunology
  • HIV-1*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / etiology
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / microbiology*
  • Mycobacterium xenopi / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents