We rarely do breastmilk cultures, except, as stated in the reported case,
when babies appear to be having trouble.  We accept < or = 10,000 col/ml of
skin saprophytes (staph epi, corynebacteria, etc.) and NO gram negatives.
There should never be any gram negative (stool) bacteria in breastmilk.  A
heavy growth of staph aureus (gram positive) or another gram positive known
pathogen would also concern me for a preterm infant.
Nancy
Nancy E. Wight MD, FAAP, IBCLC
Neonatologist, Children's Hospital and Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women
Medical Director, Lactation Services, Sharp HealthCare
San Diego, CA, USA

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