Infection and musculoskeletal conditions: Infectious myositis

Abstract

Infectious myositis, an infection of the skeletal muscle(s), is uncommon. This clinical entity may be caused by viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic pathogens. Viral etiologies typically cause diffuse myalgias and/or myositis, whereas bacteria and fungi usually lead to a local myositis which may be associated with sites compromised by trauma or surgery and are more common among immunocompromised patients. Localized collections within the muscles are referred to as pyomyositis. Other pyogenic causes of myositis include gas gangrene, group A streptococcal myonecrosis, and other types of non-clostridial myonecrosis. Early recognition and treatment of these conditions are necessary as they may rapidly become life-threatening.