Pyomyositis Caused by Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureus

Abstract

Pyomyositis is common in tropical regions but is rarely reported in temperate climates. In the United States, most cases are associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection or other immunosuppressive conditions, including diabetes mellitus, cancer, connective-tissue diseases, and cirrhosis.¹ Christin and Sarosi observed that Staphylococcus aureus was the causative organism in 70 percent of cases, and that 31 percent of the patients had bacteremia.² We describe four patients with community-acquired pyomyositis caused by methicillin-resistant S. aureus who presented to our hospital within a span of six months.