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

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.