An uncommon cause for a breast abscess: Actinomyces turicensis with Peptoniphilus harei

Abstract

Our case report describes a patient with a common presenting complaint yet an uncommon infection. Our patient presented with a fluctuant breast mass diagnosed as a breast abscess. An aspirate sample was sent for culture and sensitivities, which revealed the presence of Actinomyces turicensis and the anaerobe Peptoniphilus harei She was therefore prescribed several weeks of amoxicillin and metronidazole, and made a full recovery. There are only three case reports describing A. turicensis as a causative organism for breast abscess, one of which had also occurred in our department. One case also showed the additional presence of P. harei Our findings reveal a growing need for increasing clinician awareness of A. turicensis and the importance of aspirate sample culture and sensitivity.

Keywords: breast surgery; infections; medical management.