Which STD can be transmitted through breast milk?

Understanding STD Transmission Through Breast Milk
Breastfeeding is widely recognized as a vital source of nutrition for infants, providing essential antibodies and nutrients. However, the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) through breast milk is a complex issue that raises important health considerations for nursing mothers and their babies.
Key STDs of Concern
While many STDs are primarily transmitted through sexual contact, some can potentially be transmitted through breast milk. The most notable among these are HIV, syphilis, and herpes.
1. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): This virus can be transmitted through breast milk, posing a significant risk to infants. Studies indicate that breastfeeding by an HIV-positive mother can lead to transmission of the virus to the child, particularly if the mother has a high viral load. Therefore, mothers who are HIV-positive are often advised to consider alternatives to breastfeeding or to take antiretroviral therapy to reduce the risk of transmission.
2. Syphilis: While syphilis itself is not typically transmitted through breast milk, if a mother has active sores on her breast, there is a risk of direct contact transmission to the infant. Health guidelines suggest that mothers with syphilis can breastfeed as long as there are no sores present on the breast.
3. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Similar to syphilis, herpes can be transmitted if there are active lesions on the breast. If a mother has herpes, she should avoid breastfeeding directly from the affected breast until the sores have healed. Pumping milk from the unaffected breast is recommended during this time.
Other Considerations
– Hepatitis C: The transmission of hepatitis C through breast milk is still a subject of debate. Current evidence suggests that while hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through blood, the risk of transmission through breastfeeding is considered low. However, if a mother has cracked or bleeding nipples, the risk may increase.
– Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: These infections are not typically transmitted through breast milk, but they can affect breastfeeding practices. For instance, if a mother has an active infection, it is crucial to manage it appropriately to prevent complications that could affect her ability to breastfeed.
Conclusion
The transmission of STDs through breast milk is a critical health issue that requires careful consideration. While certain infections like HIV can pose significant risks, others like syphilis and herpes depend on the presence of active lesions. Mothers with STDs should consult healthcare providers to understand the risks and make informed decisions about breastfeeding. Ultimately, the health and safety of both mother and child should guide these decisions, ensuring that breastfeeding remains a beneficial practice whenever possible.

Can trichomoniasis be passed through breast milk?

Mothers cannot pass trichomoniasis to their babies through breastfeeding. During treatment for trichomoniasis, the CDC recommends that breastfeeding women, stop breastfeeding during the course of metronidazole treatment and for 12-24 hours after the last day of the prescription.

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 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 STD is 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 STDs pass through breast milk?

If you have HIV, do not breastfeed. You can pass the virus to your baby. In countries like the United States where clean water is available, using a breastmilk substitute like formula is recommended. If you have chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HPV, you can breastfeed your baby.

Can a mother pass HPV to a baby?

You may pass HPV to your unborn baby during pregnancy or delivery, but it’s unlikely. Studies have differed on the rate of HPV transmission from mother to baby. In a 2016 study, researchers found that about 11 percent of newborns born to HPV-positive mothers also had the virus.

What STDs can pass through breast milk?

If you have HIV, do not breastfeed. You can pass the virus to your baby. In countries like the United States where clean water is available, using a breastmilk substitute like formula is recommended. If you have chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HPV, you can breastfeed your baby.

What infection can you get from milk?

Brucellosis. Brucellosis is an infection you can catch from unpasteurised milk and cheese or from contact with infected animals.

Can HPV be transmitted through breast milk?

There is more research needed to understand the transmission between mother and child. HPV can also be passed through breast feeding but this is very rare and shouldn’t be a reason not to breastfeed. If it’s something you are concerned about – talk to your doctor or midwife.

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.