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.