Culture And Sensitivity Anaerobic Breast Milk

Breast milk may be cultured to test the sensitivity of the bacteria. This test helps in diagnosing infection in breast milk. The goal is to see if there is an anaerobic infection present in the breast milk. Mother’s milk is expressed and sent to the laboratory for the culture and sensitivity.

What are anaerobic bacteria?

Anaerobic bacteria are bacteria that can not survive in the presence of oxygen. Some of the examples of anaerobic bacteria are Staphylococcus, E.Coli, Clostridium, Actinomyces, Acetobacterium, etc. The growth of anaerobic bacteria causes anaerobic infections. Anaerobic infections can occur when deep tissues are injured or exposed. This can occur due to surgery or trauma, etc. The risk factors of getting an anaerobic infection are diabetes, a weak immune system, low blood flow, staph infection, open wounds, etc. The common symptoms of anaerobic infection are smelly discharge, pus-filled abscess, discoloration of the infected area, etc.

What is breastmilk infection?

Infection in the breast is called mastitis. It is an infection that occurs within the tissue of the breast. Breast infections are most common in women who are breastfeeding. The bacteria from the baby’s mouth enters and causes infection of the breasts. This is also known as lactation mastitis. This infection attacks the fatty tissue in the breast which leads to swelling, lumps, pain breast. Breast infection is also due to clogged milk ducts. Cracked nipples may also cause breast infection.

Why this test is performed?

This test may be recommended to you if you experience symptoms like abnormally swollen breasts, tenderness of breast, pain or burning while breastfeeding, itching, chills, nipple discharge that contains pus, warm breast, painful lump in the breast, skin redness, fever, discomfort, enlarged lymph nodes in the armpits or neck region, etc. This test may be specially performed to check if the infection is due to anaerobic bacteria or not. This test is also recommended to plan the treatment according to the type of bacteria. The test is also recommended to check the effectiveness of the treatment given.

The normal test results may vary depending on age, health history, medical condition, etc.

If your test results show negative it means there is no growth of anaerobic bacteria.

If your test results show positive it may indicate that you may have an anaerobic bacterial infection in the breast milk.

If you get abnormal test results, consult your doctor immediately with your lab test reports.