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Muscle infections, or myositis, are a group of rare conditions that cause muscle inflammation and weakness. The main symptom of myositis is muscle weakness, which can start very gradually and cause tripping or falling. Myositis can be caused by infection, injury, autoimmune disease, or drug side effects. Viral infections are the most common infectious causes of myositis, but bacterial, fungal, or other organisms can also trigger it. Musculoskeletal infections, which can affect muscles, bones, or joints, are usually caused by bacteria and can spread swiftly through the blood, bones, and tissues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Invasion of muscles, bones, or joints by disease-causing organisms, their multiplication, and the reaction of the individual’s body tissues to these organisms and the toxins they produce. |
| Causes | Bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other organisms. |
| Symptoms | Muscle pain, weakness, swelling, and fatigue. |
| Diagnosis | Blood tests, imaging exams (MRI and/or ultrasound), electromyography, nerve conduction studies, and biopsies of the muscle and/or skin. |
| Treatment | Antibiotics, steroids, medicines, physical therapy, and exercise. |
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Myositis
Infectious myositis is typically caused by viral infections, although bacterial, fungal, or other organisms can also be responsible in rare cases. Viruses or bacteria can directly attack muscle tissue or release substances that damage muscle fibres. Myositis can also develop after a viral infection has resolved, as the immune system may continue to cause inflammation in certain body parts for several months. This is known as post-infectious reactive myositis.
Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is a specific type of myositis characterised by muscle weakness near the ends of the arms or around the tops of the legs. It is more common in men and typically affects individuals over 50 years of age. IBM is distinguished by the presence of protein clumps in the muscle cells, which may contribute to its resistance to treatment.
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Viral infections
Myositis is a group of conditions that cause inflammation of the muscles, leading to weakness, pain, and swelling. While the causes of myositis are not fully understood, it is believed that it could be triggered by viral infections, among other factors.
In rare cases, people with HIV infection can develop long-term viral muscle infections. Additionally, Cryptococcus neoformans infection, a fungal infection, may also present with infectious myositis, although this is rare. Most cases of Cryptococcus neoformans infection occur in immunosuppressed individuals, such as transplant recipients and patients with leukemia, lymphoma, AIDS, or hepatitis C viral infection.
Infectious or post-infectious reactive myositis can occur during and after some viral infections. Even after the virus has cleared, the immune system may continue to cause inflammation in certain parts of the body for several months. Symptoms of post-infectious reactive myositis are similar to those of polymyositis, including muscle pain and weakness.
While there is no cure for myositis, symptoms can be managed through medication and physical therapy. With proper treatment, myositis may go into remission, and symptoms may resolve entirely.
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Bacterial infections
Myositis is a condition characterised by inflammation of the muscles, causing weakness, swelling, and pain. It can be triggered by infection, injury, autoimmune conditions, or drug side effects. While viral infections are the most common cause of infectious myositis, bacterial infections can also trigger it.
Bacterial myositis is uncommon, and usually occurs in the setting of muscular injury, surgery, ischemia, penetrating trauma, or the presence of foreign bodies. The infecting organism is related to the mechanism of infection. For instance, an acute bacterial infection of skeletal muscle resulting from hematogenous spread is most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Infection in the setting of penetrating wounds or vascular insufficiency is often polymicrobial. Bacterial myositis usually presents as a focal muscle infection, whereas viruses and parasites are often more diffuse in nature, leading to generalised myalgias or multifocal myositis.
Pyomyositis is a rare bacterial infection of the skeletal muscle, usually resulting from hematogenous spread or muscle injury, and is characterised by pain, tenderness, fever, and abscess formation. It is relatively common in tropical areas, but cases in temperate regions are increasing in frequency. Muscles commonly affected include the serratus anterior, pectoralis major, biceps, abdominal and spinal muscles, glutei, iliopsoas, quadriceps, and hamstrings. Pyomyositis is generally treated with antibiotics, with early diagnosis and prompt treatment being essential.
Other types of bacterial myositis include psoas abscess, Staphylococcus aureus myositis, group A streptococcal myositis, group B streptococcal myositis, clostridial gas gangrene, and nonclostridial myositis.
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Muscle inflammation
Myositis is caused by white blood cells of the immune system, which usually protect the body from infections, mistakenly attacking a person's own healthy muscle fibres. This can lead to muscle weakness, pain, and swelling, making it harder to perform everyday activities. The main muscles affected by myositis are the shoulders, hips, and thighs.
There are several types of myositis, including polymyositis and dermatomyositis, which are the most common forms. Polymyositis causes muscle weakness, usually in the muscles closest to the trunk of the body. Dermatomyositis causes muscle weakness and a skin rash. Another type is inclusion body myositis, which is characterised by inflammation in the muscles and a build-up of protein.
Myositis can be difficult to diagnose, as many conditions can cause muscle weakness and pain. A comprehensive assessment is needed, including a physical exam and diagnostic tests such as blood tests, imaging exams, and muscle biopsies. Treatment for myositis focuses on managing symptoms, as there is currently no cure. Treatment options include medications, physical therapy, exercise, heat therapy, and assistive devices.
Musculoskeletal infections are a separate condition from myositis, involving the invasion of muscles, bones, or joints by disease-causing organisms, their multiplication, and the body's tissue reaction. These infections can spread swiftly through the blood, bones, and tissues. Examples of musculoskeletal infections include septic arthritis, septic bursitis, osteomyelitis, and pyomyositis.
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Treatment
Muscle infections, or myositis, refer to a group of rare conditions that cause muscle inflammation and weakness. Myositis can be caused by infection, injury, autoimmune disease, or drug side effects. While there is no cure for myositis, there are treatments available to manage the symptoms.
Myositis caused by bacterial infection is treated with antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading. In the case of pyomyositis, an acute bacterial infection of the skeletal muscle, treatment includes surgical drainage of the abscess and antibiotics.
Polymyositis and dermatomyositis, the two most common types of myositis, are initially treated with high doses of corticosteroids. Other treatment options include medications, physical therapy, exercise, heat therapy, assistive devices, and rest.
Once myositis is controlled with treatment, exercises can help improve muscle strength. However, it is important to note that some people may never regain their original muscle strength or function.
In cases where myositis is caused by a drug, treatment involves stopping the medication. If myositis is caused by a viral infection, it usually does not require specific treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
A muscle infection is when disease-causing organisms invade an individual's muscles, multiply, and cause a reaction in the individual's body tissues.
Examples of muscle infections include myositis, septic arthritis, septic bursitis, osteomyelitis, cellulitis, abscess, and pyomyositis.
Myositis is a group of rare conditions that cause inflammation and weakness in muscles. It is caused by white blood cells of the immune system mistakenly attacking a person's own healthy muscle fibres.
The symptoms of myositis include muscle weakness, pain, swelling, and skin rashes.
There is no cure for myositis, but there are ways to manage the symptoms. Treatment methods include medication, physical therapy, exercise, heat therapy, assistive devices, and rest.
