Antibiotic Resistance in Breastfeeding Diseases: A Multidisciplinary Study in an Italian Level III Medical Center

Abstract

Background:

Antimicrobial resistance is a global concern. It is particularly impactful during breastfeeding infections when identifying risk factors and protective mechanisms is crucial.

Research Aim:

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of antibiotic resistance among breastfeeding women diagnosed with mastitis and breast abscesses.

Methods:

A cross-sectional analysis of longitudinal data was conducted at a Level III medical center in Italy from January 2016 to December 2020. A total of 203 women were enrolled following diagnoses of mastitis or breast abscesses.

Results:

Among the 156 women who tested positive for Staphylococcus aureus infection, culture antibiograms identified 29.6% as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Additionally, six women exhibited clindamycin-resistant S. aureus. Exclusive breastfeeding at discharge (OR = 0.40, 95% CI [0.26, 0.84], p = 0.01) and rooming-in (OR = 0.34, 95% CI [0.15, 0.79], p = 0.01) were significantly associated with reduced odds of methicillin-resistant infections; although these findings are based on unadjusted odds ratios. Conversely, the use of breastfeeding aids in-hospital was not significantly associated with odds of resistant bacterial infections (OR 2.02, 95% CI [0.97, 4.18], p = 0.06).

Conclusion:

This study underscores the antibiotic resistance scenario of microorganisms causing mastitis and abscesses in our setting. Implementing microbiological surveillance in mother–child settings could aid in identifying local resistance patterns.