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Actinomyces Species Isolated from Breast Infections
A U Bing1, S F Loh2, T Morris3
1Edinburgh Breast Unit, Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, Scotland a.bing@nhs.net krisorri@landspitali.is.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|July 31, 2015
Summary
Actinomycosis, a chronic bacterial infection, is increasingly recognized as a cause of persistent breast infections. Improved diagnostics highlight its significant role in recurrent cases, suggesting it
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Actinomycosis is a chronic infection caused by Actinomyces species, presenting with abscesses, fibrosis, and draining sinuses.
- Infections range from invasive to superficial skin and soft tissue involvement.
- Actinomyces species are fastidious, difficult to identify, and potentially underdiagnosed in breast infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review Actinomyces species isolated from breast infections in NHS Lothian (2005-2013).
- To analyze Actinomyces species from breast infections referred to the UK Anaerobe Reference Unit (1988-2014).
- To compile published cases of Actinomyces breast infections since 1994.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of laboratory records from NHS Lothian.
- Analysis of data from the UK Anaerobe Reference Unit.
- Systematic literature search for published case reports and series.
Main Results:
- Identified Actinomyces species in breast infections across multiple datasets and timeframes.
- Highlighted the association of Actinomyces with chronic and recurrent breast infections.
- Demonstrated an increasing recognition of Actinomyces as a cause of breast infections.
Conclusions:
- Actinomyces species are an important, though often underappreciated, cause of chronic and recurrent breast infections.
- Improved diagnostic techniques are enhancing the identification of these fastidious organisms.
- Further awareness and diagnostic efforts are needed to fully understand the role of Actinomyces in breast pathology.
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