Pyomyositis and HIV Infection at The University Teaching Hospital

Abstract

A prospective study of pyomyositis and HIV infection was conducted at the emergency admission ward of the University Teaching Hospital.One hundred and three(103) patients were included in the study. The age range was between 15 and 51 years (Mean=29). The objectives of the study were :To determine the percentage of pyomyositis patients who are HIV positive.To determine the infective organisms and their sensitivity patterns. To determine the complications of pyomyositis in HIV positive and negative patients. Out of this study group , 71(69%) patients tested HIV positive. Culture of pus yielded several organisms 88% of which were Staphylococcus aureus. The duration of wound healing in HIV negative and HIV positive patients was not significantly different. Most patients in this st udy (91%) lived in high density areas. All patients presented with history of fever, pain and swelling and most patients presented to hospital within 15 days from the commencement of symptoms. Limbs were the most affected parts of the body. Antibiotics and analgesics had been taken by 52% and 50% of patients respectively before presenting to hospital. Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) were found to be a significant predisposing factor to HIV infection. Limbs were the most affected parts of the body. Blood culture was positive in only 5% of patients. There was no significant relationship between the type of infecting organism and HIV status.