A case report of breast abscess caused by Peptoniphilus harei after endoscopic breast-conserving surgery and radiotherapy for breast cancer and literature review.

BACKGROUND

Breast abscess is a common infectious disease of the breast, but breast abscess caused solely by Peptoniphilus harei is extremely rare. Endoscopic breast-conserving surgery for breast cancer is an emerging breast surgical technique that is considered a clean procedure with a low postoperative infection rate.

CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a patient who underwent endoscopic breast-conserving surgery for breast cancer and developed a breast abscess in the surgical area after radiotherapy. Bacterial culture and identification confirmed that the abscess was caused by Peptoniphilus harei infection. After treatment with antibiotics targeting Peptoniphilus harei and active wound debridement, the patient achieved complete recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first reported case of breast abscess caused solely by Peptoniphilus harei after endoscopic breast-conserving surgery and radiotherapy for breast cancer. Early identification of the pathogen and targeted treatment are essential for successful management.