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- What diseases are transmitted through breast milk?
- Are breastfed babies less likely to get RSV?
- What illnesses should you not breastfeed?
- Can a mother pass illness through breast milk?
- What infections are transmitted through breast milk?
- Can you pass C diff through breast milk?
- What can be transferred into breast milk?
- What viruses pass through breast milk?
- Do they test babies for STDs at birth?
- What STDs can be passed through breast milk?
Understanding Infections Transmitted Through Breastmilk
Breastfeeding is widely recognized for its numerous health benefits for both infants and mothers. However, there are certain infections that can be transmitted through breastmilk, raising important considerations for nursing mothers who may be carriers of specific pathogens.
Key Infections Transmitted via Breastmilk
Research indicates that several viruses can be passed from mother to infant through breastmilk. Notably, cytomegalovirus (CMV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) are the primary viral infections associated with breastmilk transmission. These viruses can lead to significant health issues in infants, making it crucial for mothers who are carriers to seek medical advice regarding breastfeeding practices.
In addition to these viruses, bacterial infections can also pose risks. For instance, while Neisseria gonorrhoeae is known to be transmitted during childbirth, there is no documented risk of transmission through breastmilk. However, conditions like mastitis, which is an infection of the breast tissue, can increase the likelihood of transmitting infections during breastfeeding. Mastitis affects a significant percentage of breastfeeding mothers and can lead to complications that may affect the infant.
The Role of Maternal Health
The health status of the mother plays a critical role in determining the safety of breastfeeding. Mothers with certain infections are often advised to avoid breastfeeding to prevent potential transmission to their infants. For example, guidelines suggest that mothers with HIV should not breastfeed, as the virus can be present in breastmilk and pose a risk to the infant.
Conversely, some infections may not lead to clinical illness in infants due to the protective antibodies transferred from the mother during pregnancy. This passive immunity can help shield infants from various pathogens, although it does not eliminate all risks associated with breastfeeding when the mother is infected.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial practice, it is essential for mothers to be aware of the potential risks associated with certain infections that can be transmitted through breastmilk. Consulting healthcare professionals about individual health conditions and the safety of breastfeeding is crucial for ensuring the well-being of both mother and child.
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.
Are breastfed babies less likely to get RSV?
Infants receiving (exclusive or partial) maternal milk had lower risk of RSV bronchiolitis. Partial breastfeeding reduces risk of hospitalisation.
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.
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 infections 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 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.
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 viruses pass through breast milk?
Virus Transmission through Breastfeeding
| Virus family | Virus | Demonstrated transmission through breastfeeding |
|---|---|---|
| Flaviviridae | HCV | X if the nipples and/or surrounding areola are cracked and bleeding |
| Hepadnaviridae | HBV | |
| Hepeviridae | HEV | |
| Picornavirus | HAV |
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 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.
