What diseases are 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 acknowledge that certain infectious diseases can be transmitted through breast milk. This transmission can pose significant health risks to newborns, particularly those with compromised immune systems.
Key Diseases Transmitted via Breast Milk
1. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): One of the most well-documented viruses that can be transmitted through breast milk is HIV. While the risk of transmission is lower than during pregnancy or delivery, breastfeeding can still increase the likelihood of an infant contracting the virus if the mother is HIV-positive.
2. Cytomegalovirus (CMV): CMV is another virus that can be passed through breast milk. Although most infants who contract CMV through breastfeeding do not develop serious health issues, the virus can be particularly concerning for premature infants or those with weakened immune systems.
3. Hepatitis Viruses: Hepatitis B and C viruses can also be transmitted through breast milk. Hepatitis B is more commonly transmitted through blood and bodily fluids, but there is evidence suggesting that it can be present in breast milk as well. Hepatitis C transmission through breastfeeding is considered rare, but it is still a potential risk.
4. Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV): HTLV-I and HTLV-II are blood-borne viruses that can be transmitted through breast milk, although this is relatively uncommon. The risk is higher in certain geographical areas where these viruses are more prevalent.
5. West Nile Virus: There have been instances where West Nile Virus has been detected in breast milk, raising concerns about its potential transmission to infants.
6. Brucella: Recent studies have indicated that Brucella melitensis, the bacterium responsible for brucellosis, can be isolated from human milk, suggesting that breastfeeding could be a route for infant infection, although this is still under investigation.
Implications for Breastfeeding
The transmission of these diseases through breast milk underscores the importance of maternal health screening and education. Mothers who are aware of their health status and potential risks can make informed decisions about breastfeeding. For instance, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers with HIV should be counseled about the risks of breastfeeding and may be advised to use formula instead.
Moreover, healthcare providers play a critical role in guiding mothers through the complexities of breastfeeding, especially when infectious diseases are involved. They can provide tailored advice based on the mother’s health history and the specific risks associated with her condition.
Conclusion
While breastfeeding remains a vital source of nutrition and immunity for infants, awareness of the potential for disease transmission through breast milk is essential. Mothers should engage in open discussions with healthcare professionals to ensure the health and safety of both themselves and their babies. By understanding the risks and benefits, families can make informed choices that best support their health and well-being.

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 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.

What can be transferred into 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 illness can be passed 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 you spread illness through breast milk?

Of course, our top priority as mothers is protecting this new little life, and we would do anything for them. 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 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.

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.

Which disease usually spread through milk?

Diseases, such as typhoid, scarlet fever, diphtheria, septic sore throat, and infantile diarrhea can be transmitted by contaminated hands or by coughing, sneezing, and talking while milking or handling milk at the farm level.

Can anything be passed through breast milk?

Infectious organisms can reach the breast milk either by secretion in the fluid or cellular components of breast milk or by contamination of the milk at the time of or after expression.

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.