Update on mycobacterial issues for the acquired immune deficiency syndrome era.

Patients with immunosuppression are especially susceptible to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium-intracellularae, (also known as Mycobacterium avium Complex). Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the causative agent of pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations of tuberculosis, whereas the M. avium-intracellularae group has become recognized as a significant pathogen. Treatment problems center on multiresistant bacteria and poor patient compliance with prolonged treatment regimens. Lengthy multidrug treatment plans and special precautions against nosocomial transmission of these pathogens to patients and health care workers are necessary to limit the spread of these pathogens.