Pyomyositis in south Indian children

Thirty-two children with pyomyositis were studied. In 28 children, 23 boys and 5 girls, Staphylococcus aureus was the aetiological agent. The strains isolated were resistant to penicillin. The muscles of the thigh, back and upper arm were most frequently involved. Eight children had infections in other parts of the body, namely pneumonia, empyema, pericarditis, meningitis, osteomyelitis and arthritis. Two children died. At follow-up one child had chronic osteomyelitis. In four neonates, beta haemolytic streptococcus was the causative organism. All were septicaemic. One infant died.