Are RSV antibodies passed in breast milk?

Understanding RSV Antibodies in Breast Milk
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a significant cause of respiratory illness in infants and young children. As parents and healthcare providers seek ways to protect vulnerable infants, the question arises: Are RSV antibodies passed in breast milk?
The Role of Antibodies in Breast Milk
Breast milk is a remarkable source of nutrition and immune protection for newborns. It contains various antibodies, primarily immunoglobulin A (IgA), which plays a crucial role in mucosal immunity. While most antibodies in the bloodstream are too large to be transferred in significant amounts to breast milk, IgA can be transported across the lactocyte barrier into the milk. This means that when a mother is exposed to pathogens, including RSV, her body can produce specific antibodies that may be present in her breast milk.
Immunity Transfer and RSV
Current research indicates that while breast milk does contain antibodies that can provide some level of protection against various infections, the specific transfer of RSV antibodies through breast milk is less well-documented compared to other viruses, such as COVID-19. However, it is known that maternal vaccination can enhance the presence of certain antibodies in breast milk, which may include those that offer protection against RSV.
The CDC notes that maternal immunization can help develop antibodies that last for about six months in infants, coinciding with the period when they are most susceptible to severe RSV infections. This suggests that while direct evidence of RSV antibodies in breast milk may be limited, the overall mechanism of antibody transfer is well-established.
Conclusion
In summary, while the presence of specific RSV antibodies in breast milk is not as extensively studied as other antibodies, the general principle of maternal immunity transfer through breast milk is clear. Mothers can pass on protective antibodies, including those developed through vaccination, which may help shield their infants from RSV and other respiratory infections. As research continues, the understanding of how breast milk can combat RSV specifically will likely evolve, providing further insights into this critical aspect of infant health.

What antibodies are most abundant in breast milk?

The most abundant immunoglobulin in human milk is SIgA, which represents over 90% of milk antibodies. However, immunoglobulins G and M (IgM) are also present, but in concentrations much lower than SIgA (9–13).

What antibody is passed in breast milk?

A large part of immunoglobulins excreted in milk are IgA that protect mainly against enteric infections. The specificity of maternal milk IgA is driven by an entero-mammary cell circulation. Human milk also contains anti-idiotypic antibodies capable of enhancing infant antibody response.

What is the controversy with the RSV vaccine?

It looks like Moderna’s trial in infants showed a noticeabe increase in severe respiratory disease in babies from 5 months up to 8 months old – about 26% of the vaccinated infants with symptomatic RSV progressed to more severe disease, versus 8% in the placebo control group.

Do moms need the RSV vaccine?

To prevent severe RSV disease in infants, either maternal RSV vaccination or infant immunization with RSV monoclonal antibody is recommended. Pregnant people should get a single dose of the maternal RSV vaccine (Pfizer’s Abrysvo) during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy sometime between September through January.

Can I pass RSV antibodies to my baby?

Maternal RSV vaccine (Pfizer’s Abrysvo)
Even though you are not at high risk for severe RSV, this vaccine is important because you will pass the protection to your baby. From the time you are vaccinated, it takes two weeks to develop protection (antibodies) and for protection to pass on to your baby.

Do RSV antibodies pass through breast milk?

Breastfeeding babies should continue to breastfeed if they become ill with RSV. Research has shown that they will recover faster, they will need less oxygen therapy, and the antibodies in human milk will protect them and aid in healing.

Can a mother pass RSV to her baby?

Can a mom give RSV to her baby? Yes. Although symptoms from RSV are often mild, pregnant people are at greater risk of illness-related complications, such as preeclampsia or preterm labor. There is also a risk of the mother passing the virus to the fetus through the placenta.

Are breastfed babies less likely to get sick?

Studies also show that breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from infections such as: ear infections. vomiting & diarrhea. pneumonia.

Can I give my baby milk if he has RSV?

Stay hydrated. For infants, breast milk or formula are best for hydration because of their nutrients. For older children, mix it up. Make sure there is salt and sugar in their fluids if they are not eating.

Will the antibodies in breastmilk keep baby from getting sick?

Your baby won’t catch the illness through your breast milk – in fact, it will contain antibodies to reduce her risk of getting the same bug. “Not only is it safe, breastfeeding while sick is a good idea.