ABSTRACT
The portals of infection influence both pathogenesis, causative organism and clinical manifestations. The portal of infection can either be a nipple fissure leading primarily to a cellulitis or ductal leading to a more occult presentation. Puerperal mastitis usually occurs in the second or third week postpartum. Puerperal mastitis involves primarily the interlobular connective tissue, causing cellulitis of the breast. Sporadic mastitis is the result of nipple fissuring.
