USMLE Step 2 Antibiotics and Treatments Practice Exam

The treatment for disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection primarily involves the use of specific antibiotics that are effective against mycobacterial organisms. Azithromycin is one of the key components of the therapy for MAC, as it has good activity against this type of infection. It is often used in combination with another agent, such as Ethambutol, which helps enhance the effectiveness of the treatment and reduce the risk of developing drug resistance.

The rationale behind using this combination is that it targets the mycobacterial cell wall and inhibits the growth of the organism, leading to a better clinical outcome for patients with disseminated infections, particularly in those who are immunocompromised, such as individuals with advanced HIV/AIDS.

This dual therapy approach has been established as a standard for managing MAC infections, making it the preferred choice in clinical practice. The other options listed involve antibiotics that are not effective against MAC, which is why they would not be suitable for treating this specific type of infection.