The Role of Targeted Microbiota Therapy in the Prevention and Management of Puerperal Mastitis

Mastitis, an inflammatory condition of the breast, significantly affects breastfeeding women and can lead to the early cessation of lactation. This article explores the pathophysiology of mastitis, distinguishing between acute mastitis (AM) and subacute mastitis (SAM), with a focus on the microbial...

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Main Authors: Mariarosaria Matera, Chiara Maria Palazzi, Alexander Bertuccioli, Francesco Di Pierro, Nicola Zerbinati, Massimiliano Cazzaniga, Aurora Gregoretti, Ilaria Cavecchia
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Diseases
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9721/13/6/176
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author Mariarosaria Matera
Chiara Maria Palazzi
Alexander Bertuccioli
Francesco Di Pierro
Nicola Zerbinati
Massimiliano Cazzaniga
Aurora Gregoretti
Ilaria Cavecchia
author_facet Mariarosaria Matera
Chiara Maria Palazzi
Alexander Bertuccioli
Francesco Di Pierro
Nicola Zerbinati
Massimiliano Cazzaniga
Aurora Gregoretti
Ilaria Cavecchia
author_sort Mariarosaria Matera
collection DOAJ
description Mastitis, an inflammatory condition of the breast, significantly affects breastfeeding women and can lead to the early cessation of lactation. This article explores the pathophysiology of mastitis, distinguishing between acute mastitis (AM) and subacute mastitis (SAM), with a focus on the microbial dynamics involved. AM is primarily associated with <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, while SAM is linked to a dysbiotic milk microbiota characterized by an imbalance of microbial species, including increased levels of opportunistic pathogens. The role of inflammation and the gut–breast axis in the development of mastitis are discussed, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy microbiota. Recent studies highlight the potential of probiotics as a preventive and therapeutic measure against mastitis, showing promising results in reducing incidence and recurrence. However, further research is necessary to optimize probiotic strains, dosages, and treatment protocols. This review underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of the microbiological, immunological, and inflammatory factors involved in mastitis to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.
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spelling doaj-art-2b660e2d105e4e1c9899e16c6e5ea37b2025-06-25T13:42:58ZengMDPI AGDiseases2079-97212025-06-0113617610.3390/diseases13060176The Role of Targeted Microbiota Therapy in the Prevention and Management of Puerperal MastitisMariarosaria Matera0Chiara Maria Palazzi1Alexander Bertuccioli2Francesco Di Pierro3Nicola Zerbinati4Massimiliano Cazzaniga5Aurora Gregoretti6Ilaria Cavecchia7Department of Pediatric Emergencies, Misericordia Hospital, 58100 Grosseto, ItalyMicrobiota International Clinical Society, 10123 Torino, ItalyMicrobiota International Clinical Society, 10123 Torino, ItalyMicrobiota International Clinical Society, 10123 Torino, ItalyMedicine and Technological Innovation Department, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, ItalyScientific & Research Department, Velleja Research, 20125 Milano, ItalyMicrobiota International Clinical Society, 10123 Torino, ItalyMicrobiota International Clinical Society, 10123 Torino, ItalyMastitis, an inflammatory condition of the breast, significantly affects breastfeeding women and can lead to the early cessation of lactation. This article explores the pathophysiology of mastitis, distinguishing between acute mastitis (AM) and subacute mastitis (SAM), with a focus on the microbial dynamics involved. AM is primarily associated with <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, while SAM is linked to a dysbiotic milk microbiota characterized by an imbalance of microbial species, including increased levels of opportunistic pathogens. The role of inflammation and the gut–breast axis in the development of mastitis are discussed, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy microbiota. Recent studies highlight the potential of probiotics as a preventive and therapeutic measure against mastitis, showing promising results in reducing incidence and recurrence. However, further research is necessary to optimize probiotic strains, dosages, and treatment protocols. This review underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of the microbiological, immunological, and inflammatory factors involved in mastitis to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9721/13/6/176breastfeedingdysbiosisinflammationmastitis
spellingShingle Mariarosaria Matera
Chiara Maria Palazzi
Alexander Bertuccioli
Francesco Di Pierro
Nicola Zerbinati
Massimiliano Cazzaniga
Aurora Gregoretti
Ilaria Cavecchia
The Role of Targeted Microbiota Therapy in the Prevention and Management of Puerperal Mastitis
Diseases
breastfeeding
dysbiosis
inflammation
mastitis
title The Role of Targeted Microbiota Therapy in the Prevention and Management of Puerperal Mastitis
title_full The Role of Targeted Microbiota Therapy in the Prevention and Management of Puerperal Mastitis
title_fullStr The Role of Targeted Microbiota Therapy in the Prevention and Management of Puerperal Mastitis
title_full_unstemmed The Role of Targeted Microbiota Therapy in the Prevention and Management of Puerperal Mastitis
title_short The Role of Targeted Microbiota Therapy in the Prevention and Management of Puerperal Mastitis
title_sort role of targeted microbiota therapy in the prevention and management of puerperal mastitis
topic breastfeeding
dysbiosis
inflammation
mastitis
url https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9721/13/6/176
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