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(MAC/MAI) Mycobacterium Avium Complex Pulmonary Disease: Join us
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Jan 19 10:15pm | Replies (9354)Comment receiving replies
I am an Internist and medical researcher with a particular interest in the mycobacteria including MAC/MAI. Would just like to mention that a sputum sample to detect MAC (AFB stain) is just an initial probe and not nearly enough to detect this disease in most cases, even when such sputum samples are repeated 3 or more times which is a good idea. Culture (AFB culture) is better and bronchoscopy to obtain samples and a possible biopsy even better. A lung scan or MRI is also a good idea prior to bronchoscopy to locate and target areas in the lung involved. Also, if there are any peripheral lymph nodes involved (enlarged or inflamed), these should be biopsied and sent to the lab. Also available are the more advanced PCRs for all tissue, sputum or bronchoscopy samples. MAC/MAI is not always an easy disease to detect. Hope this helps.
Replies to "I am an Internist and medical researcher with a particular interest in the mycobacteria including MAC/MAI...."
That's right Terri. 120 or higher is what is recommended.
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Hello, yes, that helped. Thank you. - Terri M.
@windwalker Terri, this is SO confusing! Not that long ago I thought they were telling us a higher temp would would create RESISTANT mycobacterium!! Anyone remember that?? " They suggested turning the hot water tank temp up to at least 120 degrees
or higher." Katherine
Windwalker.....120 degrees but according to Dr Joseph Falkingham the microbiologist who studies NTM and did research with water heaters....if 140 degrees...there was a SUPER strong NTM that developed that could live in that temperature so they opted to say 120 which killed regular NTM but did create superbug ones. He suggested emptying water heater every 6 months if I recall.
His presentation was from 2016 NTM workshop at NJH and was posted in those videos. Tdrell
Katemn...your memory is correct...I just did a reply re NOT to use 140degrees in water heater. Dr Joseph Falkingham the microbiologist did lots of research in this area.tdrell
Windwalker....I did some checking re water heater temp comments by finding DR Joseph Falkingham's lecture from NJH NTM 2016 conference
Here is the link....the title his speech was "surrounded by mycobacterium"
https://www.nationaljewish.org/ntmvideos2016
Tdrell
From what I understand, the MAC had become resistant to the average hot
water tank temp. Remember hot tubs were set at 104 degrees max, and that worked
for awhile. They became resistant to that temperature. That is why we
should avoid hot tubs. It was never said to NOT turn up the temps in your hot
water heater because it causes these bugs to become resistant. Because the
MAC has been known to be mutated, the water temp should be raised to
at least 120 degrees.
@unicorn Crista,
you probably have heard this from me before, but the aerobics really helps. I am
proof. My lung function went up 4%! I go to a one hour class 2-3 times a week
and ride my bicycle.
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@unicorn .. Christa .. just MY opinion .. but I think the acapella is useless .. not nearly as effective as the Aerobica. Use my info and get the Aerobica .. as you get used to this system .. let me know and I'll share with you the system Mayo Clinic set me up with .. hooking up my Aerobica AND my saline nebulizer .. works slick! YES.. DO the aerobics!! Great for lung hygiene! This is just my opinion! Hugs! Katherine