What diseases can be transmitted through breastfeeding?

Understanding Disease Transmission Through Breastfeeding
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 from mother to child through breast milk. This transmission can pose significant health risks to newborns, particularly those who may already be vulnerable due to prematurity or other health issues.
Key Diseases Transmitted Through Breast Milk
1. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): One of the most well-known viruses that can be transmitted through breastfeeding is HIV. Mothers who are HIV-positive can pass the virus to their infants through breast milk, which can lead to the development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the child. Health guidelines often recommend that HIV-positive mothers either avoid breastfeeding or take specific precautions to minimize the risk of transmission.
2. Cytomegalovirus (CMV): CMV is another virus that can be transmitted through breast milk. While many adults carry CMV without symptoms, it can be particularly harmful to infants, especially those who are premature or have weakened immune systems. The risk of transmission is higher in mothers who are first-time infections during pregnancy.
3. Human T-Lymphotropic Virus I (HTLV-I): This virus is less commonly discussed but is significant in certain populations. HTLV-I can be transmitted through breast milk, and it is associated with various health issues, including certain types of cancer and neurological disorders. Mothers who are carriers of HTLV-I are advised to consult healthcare providers regarding breastfeeding.
4. Other Infectious Agents: Beyond these viruses, there are concerns about other infectious agents that can be transmitted through breast milk, including certain bacteria and parasites. For instance, conditions like tuberculosis can also pose risks if the mother is infected.
The Protective Role of Breastfeeding
Despite the potential risks, it is essential to highlight that breastfeeding also provides substantial protective benefits. Breast milk contains antibodies and other immunological factors that help protect infants from infections and diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that the benefits of breastfeeding generally outweigh the risks, particularly in populations where access to clean water and safe infant formula is limited.
Recommendations for Mothers
For mothers with known infections, it is vital to have open discussions with healthcare providers about the best practices for breastfeeding. In some cases, alternative feeding methods may be recommended to ensure the safety of the infant. Additionally, mothers are encouraged to maintain good health practices, including regular medical check-ups and following guidelines for managing their health conditions.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial practice, it is not without its risks concerning infectious disease transmission. Awareness and education about these risks are crucial for mothers, healthcare providers, and public health officials to ensure the health and safety of both mothers and their infants. As research continues to evolve, guidelines will adapt to provide the best possible outcomes for breastfeeding families.

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.

Do they test babies for STDs at birth?

Health Services
Infant tests for HIV and syphilis are considered expedited when specimens are collected within two hours of birth and testing results are returned within six hours of collection.

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 a mother pass illness through breast milk?

Influenza, or flu, does not spread to infants through breast milk. The transmission rates of other respiratory illness during breastfeeding are low.

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.

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 do moms who breastfeed have lower risk of?

Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer by 4.3% for every 12 months of breastfeeding, which is in addition to the 7.0% decrease in risk observed for each birth. Breastfeeding has been shown to primarily reduce the risk of Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer (20%) as well as in carriers of BRCA1 mutations (22–50%).

What virus is 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 you catch anything from 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.