myositis (bacterial)

Last reviewed 01/2018

The bacterial myositides include:

  • acute suppurative (tropical) myositis:
    • may result from a Staphylococcal infection of a crush injury
    • commoner in tropical climates
    • treatment is by surgical drainage and high dose antibiotics

  • Clostridial myositis:
    • Clostridium welchii secretes toxins and enzymes which cause necrosis of muscle and connective tissue
    • gas gangrene usually follows contaminated injury to extensive areas of skeletal muscle
    • treatment is by debridement and high dose antibiotics

  • tuberculous and syphilitic myositis
    • these are now rare