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Streptococcus agalactiae myositis in a child with perinatally acquired human immnodeficiency virus

Rachel Hull1, Hannah Gay, Henry Giles

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.

Southern Medical Journal
|March 28, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Pyomyositis, a muscle infection, is increasingly seen in temperate regions. This case highlights Streptococcus agalactae as a rare cause in an immunocompromised child.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Pyomyositis is an intramuscular abscess, traditionally endemic to tropics but now emerging in temperate zones.
  • Staphylococcus aureus is the predominant pathogen, implicated in over 90% of cases.
  • Risk factors include chronic illness, malnutrition, immunosuppression, and muscle trauma.

Observation:

  • This report details a pediatric case of pyomyositis.
  • The causative agent identified was Streptococcus agalactae.
  • The patient had a history of perinatally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Findings:

  • Streptococcus agalactae can cause pyomyositis, particularly in immunocompromised pediatric patients.
  • This case expands the known spectrum of causative organisms for pyomyositis.
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a significant risk factor for atypical pyomyositis presentations.

Implications:

  • Increased surveillance for pyomyositis in temperate climates is warranted.
  • Clinicians should consider a broader range of pathogens, including Streptococcus agalactae, in immunocompromised patients.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for managing pyomyositis.

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