Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
06:09
Intrarenal Injection of Escherichia coli in a Rat Model of Pyelonephritis
Published on: July 18, 2017
Escherichia coli pyomyositis in an immunocompromised host
Umesh Sharma1, William R Schwan, William A Agger
1Hospital Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System, 700 West Ave S, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA. sharma.umesh@mayo.edu
Summary
Escherichia coli (E. coli) pyomyositis is uncommon in immunocompromised patients with hematological malignancy. Early suspicion and targeted antibiotics are crucial for treating this rare infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Pyomyositis, a bacterial infection of muscle, is rarely caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) in immunocompromised individuals.
- Patients with hematological malignancies are particularly susceptible to opportunistic infections like E. coli pyomyositis.
Observation:
- A case of E. coli pyomyositis is presented in a 34-year-old male with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated myofascial infection in the gluteal muscles.
- Muscle aspiration identified E. coli phylogenetic group B2.
Findings:
- The patient received intravenous piperacillin/tazobactam, followed by oral levofloxacin for treatment.
- The patient demonstrated a positive response to the antibiotic regimen.
Implications:
- Pyomyositis should be considered in immunocompromised patients presenting with muscle pain and localized signs of infection.
- Empiric antibiotic therapy for pyomyositis in immunocompromised patients should consider fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli strains.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the renal parenchyma and collecting system, including the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue of one or both kidneys. It can be classified as either acute—a sudden, severe infection—or chronic, which refers to long-term or recurrent kidney infections.The primary cause of acute pyelonephritis (APN) is bacterial infection, with Escherichia coli accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. Other bacteria, such as Proteus,...
01:18Bacterial Gastroenteritis
Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
01:25Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of urinary tract infections (UTIs) encompasses several progressive stages, beginning with bacterial colonization and culminating in potential systemic complications if untreated. UTIs are primarily initiated by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, which often originate from the gastrointestinal tract and migrate to the urinary system through the periurethral area. This migration can occur via several routes, including improper hygiene practices, sexual activity, or...
01:14Atypical Pneumonia
Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...