STAPHYLOCOCCUS-AUREUS PERICARDITIS IN HIV-INFECTED PATIENTS

Serious infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus in HIV-infected pat ients have been reported. Contributing factors in the development of i nvasive S aureus infections include a high rate of skin and nasal colo nization, frequent dermatologic disease, and the use of intravenous ca theters. The authors report three cases of S aureus pericarditis in HI V-infected patients. While cases of viral, mycobacterial, and malignan t pericardial effusions in HN-infected patients have been reported, a review of the literature disclosed only three cases of bacterial peric arditis. Despite appropriate antibiotic therapy and drainage, a patien t's condition may abruptly deteriorate and progress to tamponade. Earl y recognition of bacteremia and pericarditis and monitoring for cardia c tamponade, along with aggressive treatment, can result in a favorabl e outcome, but mortality remains high, particularly when S aureus is t he causative agent.