Tropical pyomyositis in Gondar, Ethiopia

Seventy-two cases of pyomyositis are reported from the north-western highlands of Ethiopia. The majority (76.4%) came from highland areas over 1,800 meters above sea level. The clinical picture of the disease was similar to that seen in other East African countries. Staphylococcus aureus was recovered from 69 of 72 pus cultures. Spontaneous rupture of abscesses was seen in two cases. Four of the five deaths were assumed to be due to complications of the pyomyositis. Further search into non-altitudinal factors is implicated to get a better insight into the nature of the disorder.