HIV/AIDS Glossary

An infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium kansasii. The bacteria can be found in water, dirt, and food. Mycobacterium kansasii usually infects the lungs, but it can also infect other organs (disseminated). Most people with healthy immune systems are not affected by the bacteria. In people with HIV, Mycobacterium kansasii infection that is outside of the lungs (extrapulmonary) or that has disseminated is an AIDS-defining condition.