MRSA as a Cause of Postpartum Breast Abscess in Infant and Mother

Abstract

This report describes the unusual occurrence of mastitis and breast abscess in both mother and infant, both caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Mother and child were both immunocompetent, and their only risk factor was routine confinement. The case highlights the importance of considering MRSA as a cause for mastitis in mothers and infants. MRSA is increasingly common, and failure to consider it as a cause for mastitis will lead to delays in treatment (as it did in this case). The case also demonstrates the role of Hospital in the Home in the treatment of postnatal infections, where hospitalization can be extremely disruptive.

Bilateral Breast Abscess in a Newborn Baby

“…It is thought that microorganisms in breastmilk cause bacteremia in the infant leading to mastitis and breast abscess. Among vectors identi ed in reported cases are methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and group B streptococci (14,15). When our patient is assessed in terms of the mother, there were no symptoms or ndings leading to consideration of mastitis or abscess in the mother.…”

Neonatal breast abscess

“…Ultrasonography can be used to detect the abscess formation early in the course of disease and subsequently early institution of surgical management (incision and drainage) combined with medical management. As seen in our indexed case, the methicillin resistant S. aureus has been described as a cause of neonatal breast abscess in a post partum female as well as her infant [4]. In the newborn period, intramuscular and oral use of antibiotics is not recommended because of relatively poor absorption.…”

Letters to the Editor

“…7 We have occasionally used rifampicin always in combination with another suitable oral antibiotic based on susceptibility testing for MRSA mastitis without problems. Whilst the patient in the Montalto et al case report 8 clearly had a protracted and complicated clinical course, we would suggest that such combined use of oral anti-MRSA agents in this case might have avoided the risks associated with longterm intravenous therapy and would have been a more cost-effective option.…”