Background: Recent reports have increasingly recognized methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as an important etiology of pyomyositis, an uncommon disease entity. Specific virulence factors such as the Panton-Valentine leukocidin protein have been identified that may play a role in the pathophysiology of pyomyositis, especially when community-acquired MRSA is implicated.
Methods: We review a case of disseminated pyomyositis and septic pulmonary emboli in an immunocompetent adult in whom a pvl+ USA300 clone was isolated.
Results: The degree of dissemination in this patient suggests an emerging level of virulence for community-acquired MRSA that has not been reported previously.
Conclusion: The clinical history and management of severe disseminated pyomyositis, including diagnostic modalities, antimicrobial therapy, and surgical drainage, require an aggressive approach.