Active clinical trials for "Mycobacterium Infections"

This study will test the safety and effectiveness of a drug called interleukin-12 (IL-12) in fighting severe infectious (other than tuberculosis) caused by a group of bacteria called mycobacteria. IL-12 is similar to a substance the body produces naturally to strengthen immune function (infection-fighting ability). It works by stimulating white blood cells to increase production of a chemical called interferon gamma, which can improve or cure mycobacterial infections in some patients. In previous studies, IL-12 has improved immune function against mycobacteria in test tube experiments and in mice. A recent study of three patients with mycobacterial infections treated with the drug showed encouraging results. The drug has also been studied more extensively in patients with cancer, HIV infection and hepatitis C. Patients in this study will receive IL-12 injections under the skin twice a week for one year. They will be taught how to self-administer the drug, but a home care nurse or a physician may also give the injections. The drug dosage will be increased each week to determine the safest and most effective dose for fighting this infection. If intolerable side effects develop at a certain dose, the previous dose level will be used for the next injection. That dose will then be used for the rest of the study, unless unacceptable side effects develop at that level, in which case the dose will again be lowered. Patients will receive an antibiotic against mycobacteria. Physical examinations and blood and urine tests will be done once a month for at least the first year and then every 3 months the following year to evaluate kidney, liver, and immune function. The first evaluation-at the start of the study-is done on an inpatient basis.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of two different doses of azithromycin in combination with ethambutol for the treatment of patients with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection, and to determine whether an azithromycin-containing regimen is at least as safe and effective as the same regimen containing clarithromycin..

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of azithromycin given chronically for the treatment of Mycobacterium avium (MAC) bacteremia in patients failing or intolerant of current available MAC therapy.

To demonstrate, in patients with tubercular or nontubercular mycobacterium infections with or without HIV infection, the safety of thalidomide use as judged by symptoms, physical exam, and studies of microbiologic, immunologic, hematologic, renal, and hepatic status. To demonstrate efficacy of the drug as judged by status of fever, nutrition, tuberculosis lesions, and immune responses.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of azithromycin administered once a week in the prevention of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in severely immunocompromised HIV-infected patients with a CD4 count < 100 cells/mm3.

PRIMARY: To assess the tolerability of the combination regimen of clarithromycin plus ethambutol with or without clofazimine in patients with disseminated Mycobacterium avium Complex (dMAC). SECONDARY: To determine the proportion of patients achieving a sterile blood culture along with the time required to achieve it. To determine the duration of bacteriological response, defined as length of time that blood cultures remain sterile.

OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the bacteriological activity of amithiozone against Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) pulmonary disease. II. Define the ability of amithiozone to improve clinical outcomes in patients with MAC infection. III. Determine the safety and tolerance of amithiozone with chronic dosing in these patients. IV. Assess the contribution of clarithromycin, streptomycin, rifampin, ethambutol, kanamycin, and amithiozone in the treatment of pulmonary MAC infection.

This study will evaluate a new technique for examining the air passages of the lungs called "virtual bronchoscopy." It involves using computed tomography (CT) images of the chest to generate a 3-dimensional model of the walls of the trachea and bronchi (airway passages). This non-invasive method lets doctors see small masses and areas of narrowing in the passages without having to do surgery or pass a tube through them. Patients with diseases of the air passages who are enrolled in an NIH clinical trial may participate in this study, which requires having a CT scan. The patient lies on a table that slowly slides into a hole in a donut-shaped X-ray machine (the scanner). Patients may have to hold their breath several times during the procedure. Some patients may be given an injection of a contrast agent through a catheter (thin tube) placed in an arm vein to improve visibility of abnormalities. Patients may also be asked to breathe oxygen through nasal prongs to allow them to hold their breath longer. The procedure usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

The purpose of this study is to see if there are any changes in sugar and fat levels in the blood when patients take anti-HIV therapy for many years. Another goal is to test memory and mental concentrations to determine if anti-HIV drugs protect the brain from damage caused by HIV. (The purpose of this study has been changed from the original version.) HIV-infected patients with low CD4 cell counts are at risk for getting opportunistic (AIDS-related) infections. CD4 cells are cells of the immune system that help fight infection. Anti-HIV therapy may increase CD4 counts, which may lead to a decrease in AIDS-related infections. Problems that anti-HIV therapy is associated with include metabolic problems, neurologic problems, abnormal opportunistic infections, and cancer. Patients in ACTG 362 have been exposed to anti-HIV therapy longer than any other large group in the ACTG. These patients appear to benefit from their therapy, but also suffer problems from it. Observation of these patients should provide more information about long-term anti-HIV treatment and may detect unexpected problems. (This study as been changed. More information about the reasons for conducting this study has been added.)

Treatment of adults with chronic Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex lung infections who have failed or are intolerant of rifampin. Rifabutin may be a reasonable alternative agent in patients who fail rifampin or or intolerant of rifampin.