Chapter 158 Mastitis (Lactational)
INTRODUCTION
Description: Mastitis is an infection of one or more ductal complexes of the breast, generally associated with breastfeeding and potentially causing significant morbidity if not recognized and treated aggressively.
ETIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS
Causes: Infection comes from organisms carried in the nose and mouth of the nursing infant, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species. Common agents include β-hemolytic streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
