Tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacteriosis in patients with AIDS.

Thirty-six patients with AIDS and culture-proven nontuberculous mycobacteriosis were compared to 20 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and tuberculosis with regard to clinical signs, symptoms, and diagnostic methods. Patients with nontuberculous mycobacteriosis were more often younger and homosexuals, while patients with tuberculosis were usually Haitian-American or users of intravenous drugs. A majority of patients with tuberculosis presented with fever and weight loss.