[Bilateral breast bacterial cellulite secondary to Streptococcus agalactiae septicemia]

Abstract

Background: We report a case of group B streptococcal septicemia of digestive origin with secondary bilateral breast dermal-hypodermal localization.

Case report: A 71 year-old woman with a past history of bilateral breast cancer treated by conservation therapy was hospitalized because of the sudden occurrence of two clearly delimited, inflammatory, dermal-hypodermal cutaneous plaques located on each breast, associated with fever (39 degrees C), 4 days after a colonoscopy. Further investigations eliminated carcinomatous mastitis and blood cultures were positive for group B beta-hemolytic streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae). Histological examination of a sigmoid polyp revealed a tubular adenocarcinoma.

Discussion: We report the first documented case of secondary dermal-hypodermal bacterial skin infection (cellulitis) due to group B beta-hemolytic streptococcus. The occurrence after colonoscopy examination, chronology of clinical features, bilaterality and positive blood cultures are arguments in favor of the secondary nature of the skin infection process.