Relapse versus Reinfection of <i>Mycobacterium avium</i> Complex Pulmonary Disease. Patient Characteristics and Macrolide Susceptibility

Abstract

Our findings suggest that patients with true relapse of MAC pulmonary disease present earlier than those with reinfection. Routine use of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis in the management of clinical recurrences may be beneficial, as those suffering a relapse are more likely to have increasing macrolide minimum inhibitory concentrations than those with reinfection.