An uncommon cause for a breast abscess:Actinomyces turicensiswithPeptoniphilus 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 ofActinomyces turicensisand the anaerobePeptoniphilus harei. She was therefore prescribed several weeks of amoxicillin and metronidazole, and made a full recovery. There are only three case reports describingA. turicensisas a causative organism for breast abscess, one of which had also occurred in our department. One case also showed the additional presence ofP. harei. Our findings reveal a growing need for increasing clinician awareness ofA. turicensisand the importance of aspirate sample culture and sensitivity.