Korean J Med.  2012 Oct;83(4):529-533.

Breast Abscess due to Mycobacterium Fortuitum: A Case Report

• Lee S
• Kim JM
• Choi ES
• Ryu SY

Abstract

The rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterium, Mycobacterium fortuitum, is of increasing clinical importance. The ubiquitous M. fortuitum has been isolated from water, soil, and dust. M. fortuitum usually causes skin or soft-tissue infection following trauma or surgery, but may also infect a wide variety of tissues, including the lungs, lymph nodes, bones, joints, and meninges. We believe this is the first report of a breast abscess due to M. fortuitum, which presented in an immunocompetent woman in Korea after nipple piercing. A 26-year-old non-pregnant female presented with a 5-month history of a tender right breast lump that gradually increased in size. Pus from the right breast supported the growth of M. fortuitum. Mycobacterial infection should be considered in cases of recurrent breast abscess with sterile bacterial cultures, particularly when there is a history of nipple piercing procedures.

Keyword

Breast abscess; Mycobacterium fortuitum

MeSH Terms

Abscess
Adult
Body Piercing
Breast
Dust
Female
Humans
Joints
Korea
Lung
Lymph Nodes
Meninges
Mycobacterium
Mycobacterium fortuitum
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria
Skin
Soil
Suppuration
Dust
Soil