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Pyomyositis in south Indian children
1Department of Child Health, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India.
Annals of Tropical Paediatrics
|September 1, 1987
Summary
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.