# Emerging Role of Corynebacterium in Breast Abscesses: Clinical Profiles, Resistance Patterns, and Recommendations

## TL;DR

This study examines how Corynebacterium bacteria cause breast abscesses, highlighting their antibiotic resistance and suggesting better treatment approaches.

## Contribution

The study identifies clinical patterns and resistance profiles of Corynebacterium in breast abscesses, emphasizing the need for targeted treatment.

## Key findings

- Most patients with Corynebacterium breast abscesses were young and non-lactating.
- High resistance to ciprofloxacin and clindamycin was observed, but vancomycin and linezolid were fully effective.
- Corynebacterium striatum was the most commonly isolated species among 18 subtyped strains.

## Abstract

Background

Corynebacterium species are emerging pathogens in breast abscesses, with unique clinical, pathological, and antibiotic resistance patterns that pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical, pathological, and microbiological characteristics of Corynebacterium-associated breast abscesses, with a focus on antibiotic resistance and evidence-based management.

Methodology

This retrospective observational study over eight years analyzed 42 patients with Corynebacterium-positive breast abscesses.

Results

Most patients were ≤35 years old (22, 52.4%), and non-lactating (39, 92.9%). Periductal inflammation was found in 39 (92.3%) patients. Ciprofloxacin and clindamycin resistance was high (39, 92.9%), while vancomycin and linezolid showed 100% sensitivity. The most common species isolated was Corynebacterium striatum (n = 9) isolated from the 18 strains of Corynebacterium species that were subtyped.

Conclusions

This study underscores non-lactational predominance and high antibiotic resistance in Corynebacterium-associated abscesses, advocating targeted therapy based on susceptibility testing.