Can diseases pass through breast milk?

Can Diseases Pass Through Breast Milk?
Breastfeeding is widely recognized for its numerous health benefits for both infants and mothers. However, a critical question arises: can diseases be transmitted through breast milk? The answer is nuanced, as certain infectious diseases can indeed pass from mother to child via breast milk, while others do not.
Infectious Diseases of Concern
Research indicates that a limited number of infections are significant in terms of transmission through breastfeeding. Notably, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human T-cell lymphotropic virus types I and II (HTLV-I and HTLV-II), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) are among the primary pathogens that can be transmitted through breast milk. For mothers infected with these viruses, breastfeeding can pose a risk to the infant, necessitating careful consideration and often medical guidance on whether to breastfeed.
In addition to viral infections, bacterial pathogens can also be present in breast milk. For instance, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus are commonly associated with mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue that can lead to the presence of these bacteria in breast milk. While the transmission of these bacteria through breastfeeding is possible, it is relatively rare and often contingent upon the mother’s health status.
Guidelines and Recommendations
Health organizations provide guidelines for breastfeeding in the context of maternal infections. For example, mothers who are HIV-positive are often advised to avoid breastfeeding to prevent transmission to their infants. In contrast, for other infections, such as CMV, the risks may be lower, and breastfeeding might still be recommended, depending on the specific circumstances and the infant’s health.
Moreover, the risk of transmitting infections through donated breast milk is considered low, as stringent screening processes are in place to ensure the safety of donor milk. This is particularly important for infants who may require breast milk but whose mothers are unable to provide it due to health issues.
Conclusion
In summary, while certain diseases can indeed pass through breast milk, the overall risk of transmission is relatively low for many infections. The decision to breastfeed should be made in consultation with healthcare providers, taking into account the mother’s health, the specific infections involved, and the potential risks to the infant. Breastfeeding remains a vital source of nutrition and immunity for infants, and understanding the nuances of disease transmission can help mothers make informed choices.

Can an STD be transmitted through breast milk?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are also called sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs. STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, genital warts, HIV, and syphilis. Some STIs can pass from mother to baby during pregnancy and through breastfeeding.

Will my baby get sick if I am sick?

So, continuing to breastfeed can protect your baby from the infection that your body is fighting. While you’re sick, though, protect your baby from as many germs as possible. Babies have a higher risk of catching the flu and having health problems from it.

What diseases are transmitted through breast milk?

Serious Illnesses and Breastfeeding

• COVID-19. A parent who tests positive for COVID-19 can breastfeed their infant.
• HIV.
• Hepatitis B.
• Hepatitis C.
• Tuberculosis.
• Other infections.
• Cancer.
• More information.

Can I pass illness through breast milk?

So, here is the good news. Your body has superpowers! Did you know that you cannot pass illnesses such as the cold, flu, fever, diarrhea, vomiting and even COVID through your breast milk?

What disease is spreading through milk?

Listeria monocytogenes is one of the strains of the genus Listeria, which is a food-borne pathogen and can cause a grave and mortal illness termed listeriosis. Most of the listeriosis-related outbreaks in the West are associated with dairy food such as unprocessed milk.

What illnesses should you not breastfeed with?

The only true contraindications to breastfeeding are the following:

• Infants with classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency)
• Mothers, in the US, who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), untreated brucellosis, or suspected or confirmed Ebola virus disease.

Can HPV be transmitted through breast milk?

There is more research needed to understand the transmission between mother and child. HPV can also be passed through breast feeding but this is very rare and shouldn’t be a reason not to breastfeed. If it’s something you are concerned about – talk to your doctor or midwife.

Can you pass C diff through breast milk?

difficile infection are very poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and unlikely to adversely affect the breastfed infant.

Can germs pass through breast milk?

Microorganisms also have been identified in colostrum and breast milk. Few are readily transmitted through breast milk to cause clinically significant infections in infants and children (eg, HIV1, human T-lymphotrophic virus I [HTLV-I]).

What passes through breast milk?

Foods and drinks to avoid while breastfeeding
Caffeine passes into breastmilk, so large amounts of tea, coffee and cola drinks are best avoided. Drinking small amounts of drinks with caffeine (3 or less drinks a day) should not be a problem. Alcohol also passes into breastmilk and can affect your baby.