tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
J Hum Lact
. 2021 Jul 26;8903344211030171.
doi: 10.1177/08903344211030171. Online ahead of print.
Human Milk Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2: A Longitudinal Follow-Up Study
Hannah G Juncker[SUP] 1 [/SUP], M Romijn[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Veerle N Loth[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Tom G Caniels[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Christianne J M de Groot[SUP] 3 [/SUP], Dasja Pajkrt[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Marit J van Gils[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Johannes B van Goudoever[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Britt J van Keulen[SUP] 1 [/SUP]
Affiliations
Abstract
Background: Human milk contains antibodies against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) following Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). These antibodies may serve as protection against COVID-19 in infants. However, the evolution of these human milk antibodies over time is unclear.
Research aim: To elucidate the evolution of immunoglobulin A (IgA) against SARS-CoV-2 in human milk after a SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Methods: This longitudinal follow-up study included lactating mothers (N = 24) who had participated in the COVID MILK study. To assess the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, serum and human milk samples were collected 14-143 days after the onset of clinical symptoms related to COVID-19. Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay was used to detect antibodies against the ectodomain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
Results: SARS-CoV-2 antibodies remain present up to 5 months (143 days) in human milk after onset of COVID-19 symptoms. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 IgA in human milk seems to gradually decrease over time.
Conclusion: Human milk from SARS-CoV-2 convalescent lactating mothers contains specific IgA antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein up to at least 5 months post-infection. Passive viral immunity can be transferred via human milk and may serve as protection for infants against COVID-19. Dutch Trial Register on May 1st, 2020, number: NL 8575, URL: https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/8575.
Keywords: COVID-19; breastfeeding; coronavirus; immunoglobulins; lactation; mother’s own milk; secretory IgA.
. 2021 Jul 26;8903344211030171.
doi: 10.1177/08903344211030171. Online ahead of print.
Human Milk Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2: A Longitudinal Follow-Up Study
Hannah G Juncker[SUP] 1 [/SUP], M Romijn[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Veerle N Loth[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Tom G Caniels[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Christianne J M de Groot[SUP] 3 [/SUP], Dasja Pajkrt[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Marit J van Gils[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Johannes B van Goudoever[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Britt J van Keulen[SUP] 1 [/SUP]
Affiliations
- PMID: 34308720
- DOI: 10.1177/08903344211030171
Abstract
Background: Human milk contains antibodies against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) following Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). These antibodies may serve as protection against COVID-19 in infants. However, the evolution of these human milk antibodies over time is unclear.
Research aim: To elucidate the evolution of immunoglobulin A (IgA) against SARS-CoV-2 in human milk after a SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Methods: This longitudinal follow-up study included lactating mothers (N = 24) who had participated in the COVID MILK study. To assess the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, serum and human milk samples were collected 14-143 days after the onset of clinical symptoms related to COVID-19. Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay was used to detect antibodies against the ectodomain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
Results: SARS-CoV-2 antibodies remain present up to 5 months (143 days) in human milk after onset of COVID-19 symptoms. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 IgA in human milk seems to gradually decrease over time.
Conclusion: Human milk from SARS-CoV-2 convalescent lactating mothers contains specific IgA antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein up to at least 5 months post-infection. Passive viral immunity can be transferred via human milk and may serve as protection for infants against COVID-19. Dutch Trial Register on May 1st, 2020, number: NL 8575, URL: https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/8575.
Keywords: COVID-19; breastfeeding; coronavirus; immunoglobulins; lactation; mother’s own milk; secretory IgA.