Breast Abscess and Community-Acquired Resistant Staphylococcus aureus : Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Mastitis is a complication that develops in 1%–24% of breastfeeding women. Breast abscesses complicate mastitis in 5%–11% of cases in the first 12 weeks after birth with Staphylococcus aureus being the most common microorganism retrieved from from breast abscesses. A small number of mastitis cases are caused by community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA). Case: The patient was a 24-year-old, gravida 1, para 1, who had an uncomplicated spontaneous vaginal delivery 21 days prior to her first consultation regarding acute mastitis that had been treated with dicloxacillin. She returned febrile with an abscess and she was admitted to a hospital for intravenous therapy with vancomycin and an incision and drainage. Cultures revealed methicillin-resistant S. aureus that was sensitive to the chosen antibiotics. Ten days later, her abscess was drained and oral levofloxacin was prescribed. Results: This patient's mastitis and complications were finally resolved. Her newborn was never infected. Conclusions: Recurrent skin abscesses during pregnancy should be a prompt for quick investigation for the presence of CA-MRSA. Evaluating the current bacteriologic profiles of breast abscesses is essential for determining correct empirical antibiotic therapies and minimizing breast-tissue damage. (J GYNECOL SURG 29:251)