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Pyomyositis in south Indian children
1Department of Child Health, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India.
Insights
Staphylococcus aureus caused pyomyositis in most children, often resistant to penicillin. Beta-hemolytic streptococcus affected neonates, leading to sepsis and fatalities in some cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pyomyositis, a bacterial infection of muscle, is rare in temperate climates but more common in tropics.
- Staphylococcus aureus is a frequent cause of pyomyositis in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical characteristics, causative agents, and outcomes of childhood pyomyositis.
- To identify common sites of infection and associated systemic complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series analysis of 32 children diagnosed with pyomyositis.
- Microbiological analysis to identify causative bacteria and antibiotic susceptibility testing.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 28 children (23 boys, 5 girls), with penicillin-resistant strains being common.
- The thigh, back, and upper arm muscles were most frequently involved.
- Complications included pneumonia, empyema, pericarditis, meningitis, osteomyelitis, and arthritis. Two children died.
- In four neonates, beta-hemolytic streptococcus caused sepsis, with one infant fatality.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcus aureus is the predominant pathogen in childhood pyomyositis, often exhibiting antibiotic resistance.
- Pyomyositis can lead to severe systemic complications and mortality, particularly in neonates with streptococcal infections.
Abstract:
Thirty-two children with pyomyositis were studied. In 28 children, 23 boys and 5 girls, Staphylococcus aureus was the aetiological agent. The strains isolated were resistant to penicillin. The muscles of the thigh, back and upper arm were most frequently involved. Eight children had infections in other parts of the body, namely pneumonia, empyema, pericarditis, meningitis, osteomyelitis and arthritis. Two children died. At follow-up one child had chronic osteomyelitis. In four neonates, beta haemolytic streptococcus was the causative organism. All were septicaemic. One infant died.