Mycobacterium avium–intracellulare brain abscesses in an HIV-infected patient

Abstract

The Mycobacterium avium–intracellulare complex (MAC) is an uncommon cause of brain abscesses even in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). We present a case of a multiple MAC brain abscesses, confirmed by brain biopsy and culture, in a patient with AIDS. The patient's initial symptoms were weakness, confusion and headaches. The patient was initially treated for toxoplasmosis and pyogenic bacterial brain abscesses with no resolution. Following treatment for MAC the patient's abscesses resolved.

Keywords

• HIV/AIDS
• Mycobacterium avium–intracellulare
• Brain abscess