Infection with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) may cause a serious disseminated bacterial infection in up to 40% of patients with advanced HIV infection. Disseminated MAC has a negative impact on quality of life and contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality. Prompt diagnosis and aggressive treatment can diminish those effects. Disseminated disease can be prevented in many patients with the use of rifabutin prophylaxis. Nurses play an important role in evaluating symptoms and educating patients about the prevention and treatment of disseminated MAC.