In vivo activity of amikacin alone or in combination with clofazimine or rifabutin or both against acute experimental Mycobacterium avium complex infections in beige mice

The in vivo activity of amikacin, used alone or in combination with rifabutin or clofazimine or both, was assessed in the treatment of early and established Mycobacterium avium complex infections in beige mice. Amikacin given alone at a dose of 50 mg/kg, in one, two, or three divided doses, showed remarkable activity. Addition of clofazimine increased the activity significantly, but addition of the third drug, rifabutin, did not further improve the results. Amikacin-containing regimens are worthy of consideration for investigations in patients with M. avium complex infections.