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Mycobacterium avium complex peritonitis in an AIDS patient

J J Huh1, L A Panther

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deacones Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.

Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|March 1, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Peritonitis secondary to Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is rare in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This case highlights atypical MAC presentations in AIDS patients, even those on therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) commonly disseminates in individuals with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
  • The gastrointestinal tract is a frequent target organ for disseminated MAC in AIDS patients.
  • While ascites is common in AIDS, MAC-induced peritonitis is an infrequent complication.

Observation:

  • This report details the first documented case of MAC peritonitis in an AIDS patient.
  • The patient had no pre-existing conditions such as cirrhosis, portal hypertension, chylous ascites, or peritoneal dialysis.
  • The patient was compliant with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Findings:

  • Atypical presentation of MAC peritonitis in an immunocompromised patient.
  • MAC peritonitis can occur in AIDS patients despite HAART and absence of typical risk factors.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider MAC peritonitis in AIDS patients with disseminated MAC history, even if on HAART.
  • Awareness of unusual MAC manifestations is crucial for timely diagnosis and management in AIDS.
  • This case expands the spectrum of opportunistic infections in advanced HIV disease.

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