Tropical pyomyositis in the Nigerian Savanna

Ninety cases of tropical pyomyositis from the Nigerian Savanna are described. This is the first report from a hot and dry area of the tropics. Many of the features are similar to previous reports but affection of the younger age group is found to be a reflection of the age distribution of the population. Greater involvement of the left side of the body, spontaneous bursting of an abscess and absence of any seasonal variation are some of the differences noted. Further studies including unexplored areas of the tropics are indicated regarding the aetiology of this disease.