Septic bone, joint and muscle lesions associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Ten episodes of musculoskeletal sepsis have been seen in nine patients with HIV infection. Seven patients had AIDS, circulating CD4-positive lymphocyte counts being less than 0.1 x 10(9)/l in six. Septic arthritis recurred in seven patients, osteomyelitis in three and pyomyositis and bursitis each occurred in one patient. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from four patients, atypical micro-organisms being found in three. Presentation of musculoskeletal infection in this patient group may be atypical but rapid diagnosis is important as early antimicrobial therapy is often successful.