I am new to this forum and relatively new to MAC. Actually, MAC is not what I have been told I have, but rather M. Chimaera, which I believe is another form of the nontuberculous bacterium. My infection is due to an open heart surgery preformed 28 months ago. I presented with a small fluid cyst at the surgical site on my sternum. The cyst was removed and it contained a surgical wire covered with fungus. Fungus was sent to Pathology, then on to an Infectious Disease Specialty Hospital in Denver. After waiting at least six weeks the culture grew M. Chimaeraj. I was originally prescribed Ethambutol, Rifabutin and Azithromycin and two weeks later Amikacin was added via CVC line. Before I go any further, please let me know I am writing my story in the correct "group" setting. Thank you.