Pyomyositis in Swaziland

Pyomyositis was studied in 25 patients over a period of 1 year. The patients lived in a subtropical region, latitude about 27 degrees S, but the disease described is the same as that which occurs in the tropics and which goes by the name of "tropical myositis". The aetiology proposed for tropical myositis is regarded as not applicable to the same disease described here, of which the cause remains uncertain. This aspect of the problem is discussed with reference to the possible role played by a deficiency of ascorbic acid in the diet. Incision and drainage is the only method of treatment.