Pyomyositis

Pyomyositis, also known as tropical pyomyositis or myositis tropicans is a bacterial infection of the skeletal muscles which results in a pus-filled abscess. Pyomyositis is more common in tropical areas but can also occur in the temperate zones. Pyomyositis is most often caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. The infection can affect any skeletal muscle, but most often infects the large muscle groups such as the quadriceps or gluteal muscles. In tropical regions, the infection often follows minor trauma, while in temperate zones the infection typically occurs in people with immune deficiencies. The abscess within the muscle must be drained surgically and antibiotics given to fully clear the infection.