[The stakes in preventing opportunistic MAI infections in AIDS. From an interview with Dr. Patrick Philibert]

Development of HIV infection is littered with many pathological episodes of which the physical and psychological repercussions on the patient are full of consequences. In this context, full co-operation between the hospital services and general practitioners is fundamental, from the moment of the announcement of seropositivity, to place under anti-retroviral treatment and to follow the pathological events. Opportunistic infections that threaten the life of the patient are severe because of the fall in the level of CD4 lymphocytes. Nowadays it is important to start prophylactic treatments and to make the patient understand the fight to follow these treatments that alone can help to maintain his autonomy and quality of life. The quality of the relationship established between the practitioner and patient is here very important. At the start of prophylactic treatment for several opportunistic infections in AIDS, such as pneumocystosis or toxoplasmosis, it is essential to have available an effective therapeutic strategy for infection by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). In effect, these serious infections following after the development of AIDS, graviously threaten the life of patients and their probability to survive. Today, practitioners have available rifabutine (Ansatipine) which is an efficacious treatment for MAC infections. It is sure that many patients will find benefit.