Late Hematogenous Bacterial Infections of Breast Implants

Late infections of breast implants are rare occurrences. We present 2 cases of late infections of breast implants, resulting from hematogenous spread from bacterial infection from distant sites. The first case involves a late implant infection following development of a chronic foot sore, caused by Achromobacter xylosoxidans, an aerobic pathogen. The second case describes a late infection, after extensive dental treatment, caused by Streptococcus viridans, a bacterium that normally lives in close association with the teeth and gingiva. On the basis of these 2 cases and others in the literature, systemic antibiotic therapy should be considered in breast implant patients who are exposed to potential bacterial inoculation and bacteremia to prevent late breast infections and subsequent capsular contractures.