Factors associated with pyomyositis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Pyomyositis, an acute bacterial skeletal muscle infection, is prevalent in tropical regions and increasingly reported in temperate climates.
• It affects all age groups and sexes, with mortality rates ranging from 1% to 23%.
• Numerous risk factors have been proposed, necessitating further investigation into associated factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors associated with pyomyositis through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
• To synthesize existing evidence on pyomyositis epidemiology and risk factors.
• To highlight research gaps and guide future studies on this condition.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using major scientific databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library) and hand-searching.
• A random-effects model was employed to calculate pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for associated factors.
• Included studies were hospital-based, with a focus on identifying the primary organism and demographic data.

Main Results:

• The analysis included 25 studies for the systematic review and 12 for the meta-analysis, predominantly from high-income temperate settings.
• Staphylococcus aureus was the most common causative organism, with males under 20 being the most affected demographic.
• Significant associations were found between pyomyositis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (OR=4.82) and fulfilling an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) surveillance definition (OR=6.08).

Conclusions:

• Pyomyositis shows significant associations with HIV/AIDS, indicating a critical link between these conditions.
• Substantial gaps persist in understanding pyomyositis's epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and outcomes.
• Further research and systematic studies are crucial, and pyomyositis should be considered a neglected tropical disease.