Pyomyositis in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Pyomyositis, a purulent infection of skeletal muscle, is usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Many cases of pyomyositis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seronegative patients have been reported in North America and have been reviewed extensively. Moreover, pyomyositis has been reported in association with HIV infection in patients with or without the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). We describe two patients with pyomyositis and HIV and review the available English language literature. Leukocytosis and bacteremia tend to occur less frequently in those with HIV infection and pyomyositis. However, fever, S aureus infection, and bilateral involvement occur more frequently in HIV-positive patients. Antibiotic therapy together with surgical drainage or aspiration is usually sufficient.