Persistent Multispecies Actinomyces Mastitis Treated With Repeated Aspiration and Long-Term Oral Antibiotics

Abstract

Actinomycosis is an infection characterized by abscess formation, draining sinuses, and tissue fibrosis. The causative bacterium is a Gram-positive facultative anaerobe from the genus Actinomyces. Infections classically affect the cervicofacial, thoracic, or pelvic region and often require prolonged antibiotic therapy. Actinomycosis of the breast is a rare condition that may present as a recurrent breast abscess. We present a 33-year-old female with a recurrent breast abscess which grew A. radingae and A. israeli on aspirated fluid cultures. Treatment with surgical aspiration and a 6-week course of oral amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 875 mg twice daily resulted in clinical improvement. Our case demonstrates how recurrent breast abscesses caused by Actinomyces can be difficult to manage. Long-term antibiotic therapy with surgical aspiration and regular follow-up offer the best chance of clinical resolution.