Recommended treatment duration is 3-6 months. For less severe disease, the oral agents can be given without prior parenteral therapy. Susceptibilities are essential in guiding management. Although most isolates are resistant, doxycycline and the quinolones may also be considered. For less severe disease, oral agents can be given without prior parenteral therapy.
True cephalosporins have no activity.
For lesser disease, po clarithromycin can be considered for 4-6 months. M. abscessus lung disease is incurable unless it is removed surgically. CXR findings are often nonspecific, but chest CT findings are more specific. This may have implications for drug therapy and evaluation of response to therapy. Relapse after a 3-drug treatment regimen is rare, however.