is 2CFU/ml AFB significant or considered insignificant in MAC

Posted by tmdusty @tmdusty, Oct 27 7:52pm

I was diagnosed with MAC April 2024. Stating meds in October 2024. My sputum samples have been negative since December 0f 2024. Now as I'm thinking I can stop taking them, I have a sputum test come back positive at 2CFU/ml AFB. Is this considered significant or considered insignificant in MAC. My Doc. just called it insignificant. They are waiting for it to be fully identified. But it is AFB, likely MAC.
I have been on a 2-drug test program. Ethambutol and Azithromycin. Now I'm concerned I have to start the year+ all over again and add the third drug. Does anyone know if 2CFU/ml AFB significant or considered insignificant in MAC

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cwal | @cwal | Oct 28 6:55am

Here is what came up from a quick Google search;
What this result could indicate
A positive AFB culture result, even with a low count like 2 CFU/ml, means an active mycobacterial infection is likely present. A doctor will consider this result along with other factors, such as the patient's symptoms, a chest X-ray, and more rapid molecular tests, to make a diagnosis.

Did you have a positive smear result?