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Can toxoplasmosis be passed through breast milk?

Understanding Toxoplasmosis and Breastfeeding
Toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite *Toxoplasma gondii*, is a common infection that can have significant implications for pregnant women and their infants. One of the concerns surrounding this infection is whether it can be transmitted through breast milk, particularly for mothers who are breastfeeding.
Current Research on Transmission
The question of whether *Toxoplasma gondii* can be passed through breast milk has been a topic of discussion among researchers and healthcare professionals. As of now, no confirmed cases of transmission via breastfeeding have been documented. A study highlighted a case involving a mother and her six-month-old breastfed infant, where acute toxoplasmosis was diagnosed. However, the researchers noted that the transmission route was likely not through breast milk but possibly through contaminated water.
Guidelines for Breastfeeding Mothers
Despite the lack of confirmed transmission cases, health organizations like the CDC advise that mothers diagnosed with toxoplasmosis can continue to breastfeed their infants. They recommend taking certain precautions to minimize any potential risks. This guidance is based on the understanding that while the parasite can be present in various bodily fluids, the likelihood of it being transmitted through breast milk remains unproven.
Conclusion
In summary, while the theoretical possibility of *Toxoplasma gondii* being present in breast milk exists, current evidence does not support the idea that breastfeeding poses a risk of transmission. Mothers diagnosed with toxoplasmosis are generally encouraged to continue breastfeeding, provided they follow appropriate health guidelines. As always, it is crucial for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers for personalized advice and to ensure the health and safety of both themselves and their infants.

What bacteria can be passed through breast milk?

Infections can appear in breast milk in many ways. These routes to infection include the contamination of the milk after it leaves the breast, or by damaged cells or fluid in the breast milk itself. When breast milk becomes infected, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus are the most common bacteria found.

How to tell if your baby has toxoplasmosis?

Babies with congenital toxoplasmosis often don’t have any symptoms at birth. But problems might show up months or years later. They can range from mild to severe: vision problems and even blindness from injury to the retina (back of the eye)

How to get rid of parasites while breastfeeding?

There are two medications that are commonly used to treat worm infections and they are both available over the counter from a pharmacy. The generic names are Mebendazole and Pyrantel. Mebendazole is the first preference as studies in human pregnancy show no increase in adverse effects to the mother or fetus.

Can you pass toxoplasmosis to baby?

The risk of maternal transmission of the parasite to the fetus during the first trimester of pregnancy (when the baby is most vulnerable) is relatively low, at 15 to 20 percent. However, by the third trimester, a pregnant woman with toxoplasmosis has a 60 percent chance of infecting her child.

What illnesses should you not breastfeed?

When Should I Not Breastfeed My Baby?

  • If the mother has been infected with HIV or has AIDS.
  • Many medications taken by the mother may pass onto the baby via breast milk.
  • Mothers with cancer who are taking cancer chemotherapy medications also cannot breastfeed their babies.

What diseases are transmitted through breast milk?

The concern is about viral pathogens, known to be blood-borne pathogens, which have been identified in breast milk and include but are not limited to hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), West Nile virus, human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV), and HIV.

Can anything be passed through breast milk?

Three viruses (CMV, HIV, and HTLV-I) frequently cause infection or disease as a result of breast-milk transmission.

Can parasites transfer through breastmilk?

Parasitic infections may be acquired in different ways, including vertical, fecal-oral, and skin contact routes. Transmitting parasites to infants via breastfeeding is not expected with most parasitic infections. However, breastfeeding may provide a possible transmission route to infants in some parasitoses.

What are the odds of getting toxoplasmosis while pregnant?

In this retrospective single-center study, the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women was found to be 46.2% and the rate of ATI was 4%. It was also observed that 5 of the 101 mothers diagnosed with ATI transmitted the infection to their children, and the total transmission rate was found to be 5%.

Can toxoplasmosis be spread through breast milk?

If a breastfeeding woman has cracked and bleeding nipples or her breasts are inflamed, she might have blood in her breast milk. Although it has never been documented, Toxoplasma could be in that blood and infect the infant through her breast milk. However, the likelihood of human milk transmission is minimal.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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