Criteria
Milk leukocyte counts[32]
Lactational mastitis can be classified according to milk leukocyte counts and quantification for bacteria. [Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Leukocyte counts and bacteria quantification in breast milkChart produced by author using data from Thomsen AC, Espersen T, Maigaard S. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1984 Jul 1;149(5):492-5 [Citation ends].
Endogenous breast flora is similar to that present on the skin. Although the presence of pathogenic bacteria and/or high bacterial counts (>10³/mL of milk) indicates mastitis, the predictive value is low. Therefore, the presence of bacteria in milk does not necessarily indicate infection.[1] Moreover, many lactating women who have potentially pathogenic bacteria on their skin or in their milk will not develop mastitis.[1] Alternatively, many women who do develop mastitis may not have pathogenic organisms in their milk.[1]
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