5328. Bacterial culture. Breast milk (right breast). Antimicrobial resistance profile with MIC (if microflora is detected)

Bacteriological examination of breast milk allows assessment of its microbiological purity and detection of potentially harmful microflora.

If microbial growth is detected, an antibiotic susceptibility test with MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) is performed – a parameter that helps the physician select the most effective antibacterial drug for the treatment or prevention of breast infections.

Automated identification of microorganisms is performed using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry on the MALDI Biotyper sirius IVD System analyzer (Bruker, Germany).

Normally, breast milk may contain a small number of non-pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis or Enterococcus spp., which originate from the skin surface of the mammary gland. Their presence in small quantities does not pose a risk to the mother or the infant.

However, bacteria can enter the milk not only externally (exogenously) but also endogenously – in the presence of chronic infections in the body. Detection of pathogenic microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or members of the Enterobacteriaceae family) may indicate the development of an infectious process in the breast tissue (mastitis). Their presence in breast milk may adversely affect digestion, immune response, and the overall health of the infant. Detection of Enterococcus spp. in a breast milk sample may also indicate improper sample collection; therefore, result interpretation requires clinical context.

Breast milk culture is an important tool in diagnosing breast infections (including lactational mastitis) and assessing risks to the infant’s health.

Identification of the pathogen and determination of its antibiotic susceptibility (antibiotic susceptibility test with MIC) according to international EUCAST and CLSI standards enable the physician to select effective treatment, prevent infection progression, and avoid complications.

In case of a positive result, self-treatment is not recommended. Clinical interpretation and treatment decisions should be made by a physician, taking into account the overall condition of the mother, the infant, and the clinical context.

• Mastitis in breastfeeding women.
  
• Monitoring the effectiveness of antibacterial therapy.
  
• Dysbacteriosis in infants on breastfeeding or mixed feeding.
  

• Various types of biological material depending on the test

Brought material in a tube with the transport medium 'Amies'.

Sequence of actions:...