Prototheca wickerhamii breast implant infection after reconstructive surgery: a new level of complexity

We report the first published case of Prototheca wickerhamii breast implant infection. This occurred after mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, breast reconstruction, implant revisions and breast seroma aspirations and was preceded by polymicrobial infection. Definitive treatment required implant removal and intravenous liposomal amphotericin B. The management of breast prosthesis infections is discussed.
Highlights • Clinical update on breast implant infections. • Algae can cause chronic infections that persist despite broad-spectrum therapy. • Consider removal of prostheses to assist with source control. • Biofilm-active agents are useful adjuncts in prosthetic infections. • Adherence to principles of surgical site infection prevention is recommended.