A hidden pathogen in routine cultures: Recurrent bilateral breast abscesses caused by Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii.
Damla Köklü, Zeynep Çizmeci, Büşra Coşanay Tekden et al.
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Case in brief
A 38-year-old woman presented with recurrent bilateral breast abscesses that did not respond to standard antibiotic therapy. Initial Gram stains showed dense polymorphonuclear leukocytes, but routine cultures were negative. Identification of Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii was achieved through extended incubation and advanced sequencing techniques. The patient was treated successfully with targeted lipophilic antibiotics following a multidisciplinary approach.
What made this case unusual
The case highlights the slow growth of Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii on standard media, leading to false-negative culture results, which is critical for accurate diagnosis.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii in cases of refractory breast abscesses, especially when routine cultures yield negative results despite significant inflammatory findings.
Why it matters
Recognizing this pathogen can prevent misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate treatment, reducing the risk of recurrence and complications in similar cases.