What disease is transmitted through breast milk?

Understanding Disease Transmission Through Breast Milk
Breastfeeding is widely recognized for its numerous health benefits for both infants and mothers. However, it is crucial to understand that certain infectious diseases can be transmitted through breast milk, posing potential risks to newborns. This article delves into the diseases that can be transmitted via breastfeeding, highlighting the implications for maternal and infant health.
Key Diseases Transmitted Through Breast Milk
1. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV):
One of the most significant concerns regarding breastfeeding is the transmission of HIV. Studies have shown that mothers infected with HIV can transmit the virus to their infants through breast milk. The risk of transmission is particularly high during acute infections when the viral load in breast milk is elevated. Guidelines suggest that HIV-positive mothers should consult healthcare providers to assess the risks and benefits of breastfeeding, as antiretroviral therapy can significantly reduce the viral load and, consequently, the risk of transmission.
2. Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV):
HCMV is another virus that can be transmitted through breast milk. It is a common virus that infects most humans and can lead to serious health issues, particularly in immunocompromised individuals and newborns. Infants who are born to mothers with active HCMV infections are at risk of acquiring the virus through breastfeeding. While most healthy infants may not experience severe consequences, the potential for complications in vulnerable populations necessitates careful consideration.
3. Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type I (HTLV-I):
HTLV-I is a retrovirus that can also be transmitted through breast milk. This virus is associated with various health issues, including adult T-cell leukemia and tropical spastic paraparesis. The transmission risk through breastfeeding is a concern, particularly for mothers who are known carriers of the virus.
Other Considerations
While the aforementioned viruses are the primary concerns, it is essential to note that not all infections pose a risk through breast milk. For instance, bacteria like Listeria are not transmitted through breastfeeding, and mothers undergoing treatment for certain infections can still breastfeed safely if they are well enough. Additionally, sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis and herpes can pose risks if sores are present on the breast, but breastfeeding can continue if precautions are taken.
Conclusion
The transmission of infectious diseases through breast milk is a critical consideration for new mothers, particularly those with known infections. While breastfeeding offers significant health benefits, it is vital for mothers to engage in open discussions with healthcare providers about their health status and the potential risks to their infants. By understanding these risks, mothers can make informed decisions that prioritize the health and well-being of both themselves and their babies.

Can I pass HPV to my baby through breastfeeding?

More recent research also reports that it’s unlikely that HPV passes to a child through breastfeeding. Researchers in a 2011 study concluded that the likelihood of a mother passing HPV to her child through breast milk is low. And a 2017 study found no evidence of transmission of HPV from mother to child.

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 substances are passed through breast milk?

During breastfeeding, it is important for a woman not to consume alcohol, smoke, or take drugs. These substances are known to pass through the breast milk. This information can help mothers to understand better about the consequences of smoking, using drugs, and drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

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 disease was spread by milk?

6.2 Milk-borne viral diseases

• 1 Hepatitis viruses. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the leading global cause of acute viral hepatitis.
• 2 FMD.
• 3 Cowpox.
• 4 Pseudo cowpox (milkers nodule)
• 5 ORF.
• 6 Tick-borne encephalitis viruses.
• 7 Rift valley fever virus.

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.

What is passed through breast milk?

Almost any drug that’s present in the blood will transfer into breast milk to some extent. Most medications do so at low levels and pose no real risk to most infants. There are exceptions, though. Some drugs can be found in high levels in breast milk.

What STDs can be passed through breast milk?

The risk for transmission from mother to child varies significantly if the maternal infection is a primary infection (eg, herpes simplex virus [HSV], HIV1), a secondary (reactivation) infection (eg, HSV, CMV) or a chronic infection (eg, hepatitis B, HIV1, HTLV-I) during pregnancy or lactation.

Which disease is transmitted from milk to human?

Raw milk can carry dangerous germs such as Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, and others that cause foodborne illness, often called “food poisoning.” These germs can seriously injure the health of anyone who drinks raw milk or eats products made from raw milk.