BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) often causes disseminated infection in patients at an advanced stage of HIV infection; however, peritonitis associated with disseminated MAC infection is rare. METHODS: In this report, we describe five cases of MAC peritonitis in AIDS patients at our hospital, and analyze these cases alongside 11 previously published cases found in the literature. RESULTS: Most of the AIDS patients with MAC peritonitis had CD4 counts of <50 cells/microl and elevated alkaline phosphatase levels. Other than ascites, MAC was also isolated from other sterile and non-sterile sites. Of note, six patients (37.5%) presented with chylous ascites. CONCLUSIONS: Despite therapy, MAC peritonitis is associated with a grave outcome.
BACKGROUND:Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) often causes disseminated infection in patients at an advanced stage of HIV infection; however, peritonitis associated with disseminated MACinfection is rare. METHODS: In this report, we describe five cases of MACperitonitis in AIDSpatients at our hospital, and analyze these cases alongside 11 previously published cases found in the literature. RESULTS: Most of the AIDSpatients with MACperitonitis had CD4 counts of <50 cells/microl and elevated alkaline phosphatase levels. Other than ascites, MAC was also isolated from other sterile and non-sterile sites. Of note, six patients (37.5%) presented with chylous ascites. CONCLUSIONS: Despite therapy, MACperitonitis is associated with a grave outcome.