The researchers from the United States showed that in breast milk mothers with acquired immunity to COVID-19 – both as a result of disease and vaccination – throughout at least three months active antibodies are preserved to infection. Dedicated to differences in the influence of disease and vaccination on breast milk. Article of scientists is published in Jama Pediatrics.
Researchers from the Rochester University gathered milk samples in 77 mothers – 47 of which were with a coronavirus infection, and 30 received two doses of the MODERNA or Pfizer vaccine. In breast milk by mothers turned out to be a high content of IGA antibodies, while in milk vaccinated was kept strong IgG antibodies. Both types of antibodies neutralized SARS-COV-2. 60 percent of breast milk samples showed neutralizing activity after the first dose of vaccine and 85 percent – after the second. The study is the first assessment of the activity of antibodies in milk.
The activity of antibodies has persisted for three months after infection or vaccination. At the same time, evidence of the decline in antibodies from vaccinated mothers was discovered. “The trend in antibodies in breast milk coincides with the fact that we see in the blood serum vaccinated. After several months, the level of antibodies decreases, but it remains much equally higher than before vaccination,” said one of the researchers in Kirsi Jvinen-Seppo.
At the same time, the work does not establish whether the antibodies contained in breast milk can protect the child from COVID-19, researchers mark. “The study does not imply that children will be protected from the disease. Antibodies in breast milk can not be a substitute for babies vaccination, if it is approved,” said Jervine-Seppo.