What organism is the most common cause of breast abscess?

What organism is the most common cause of breast abscess?

• A. Staph aureus
• B. Strep viridans
• C. E. coli
• D. Pseudomonas

Answer: (A)

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of a breast abscess, especially in lactating women with mastitis. This skin and duct-dwelling bacterium easily colonizes cracked nipples or damaged ducts and can invade surrounding tissue to form a purulent collection. Its propensity to cause localized, purulent infection makes it the typical culprit behind breast abscesses. Other organisms like Streptococcus viridans, Escherichia coli, or Pseudomonas are less commonly involved in this scenario; they may appear in certain settings but do not account for the majority of cases.

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of a breast abscess, especially in lactating women with mastitis. This skin and duct-dwelling bacterium easily colonizes cracked nipples or damaged ducts and can invade surrounding tissue to form a purulent collection. Its propensity to cause localized, purulent infection makes it the typical culprit behind breast abscesses. Other organisms like Streptococcus viridans, Escherichia coli, or Pseudomonas are less commonly involved in this scenario; they may appear in certain settings but do not account for the majority of cases.