Spontaneous Unilateral Breast Abscess Caused by Mycobacterium abscesuss: A Case Report
P. Mejuto *
Department of Microbiology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.
J. J. Palacios
Department of Microbiology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.
B. Alonso
Department of Surgery, Hospital Monte Naranco, Oviedo, Spain.
S. Martínez
Department of Microbiology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.
M. Castillo
Department of Microbiology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Mycobacterium abscessus complex is a rapidly growing group of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Rarely, this organism causes breast infections. The majority of published studies reported an association between onset of infection and breast implants or post-traumatic injuries. We report a spontaneous case of breast abscess caused by M. abscessus that it was initially presumed as bacterial abscess. NTM should be considered in diagnosis of mastitis when standard bacterial culture results are negative or when it recurs despite standard antibiotic therapy. We believe this is the first report of spontaneous community acquired mastitis due to M. abscessus, in Spain.
Keywords: Mycobacterium abscessus, mastitis, breast abscess, nontuberculous mycobacteria