Recurrent Unilateral E. coli Breast Infection in a Non-Lactating Women: A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Breast abscess is a common infection of the breast in humans, particularly affecting females who are lactating. Lactation mastitis is present in 2%-3% of women and approximately 5%-11% of patients may develop abscess. However, breast abscess in non-lactating women is extremely rare and there has only been limited literature published on this. Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) is usually found in the gastrointestinal and urogenital system, with no previous documentation of an E. coli infection in the breast. This case report summarizes the rare case of a fit and healthy adult female healthcare worker who presented with a recurrence of a unilateral E. coli breast abscess within three years. On review, there have not been any similar documented cases.