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Antibodies in Breastmilk of Moms Who’ve Had COVID Can Protect Babies, says new study.

By on November 24, 2021

A new study suggests breastfeeding after COVID-19 infection may increase an infant’s immune response to the new coronavirus.

The study found that by the age of 2 months, the saliva taken from breastfed infants contained certain antibodies against the spike protein.

Senior researcher Dr. Rita Carsetti, of Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital in Rome, Italy said “We have shown for the first time that the mother can also trigger the active immune response of the newborn through the transfer of antigen-antibody immune-complexes.” Infants receive ‘passive immunity’ from the mother’s antibodies via the placenta and breast milk. This makes infants less susceptible to infections until about 6 months of age.

The results of this study by Rita Carsetti et al. were published in “JAMA Network on November 3rd.

In addition, when the level of antigen-antibody complex in breast milk 48 hours after delivery was compared to 2 months after delivery, which is the acute phase of COVID-19, the former appeared significantly higher (0.53 AU vs. 0.09 AU). ).

However, antibodies detected in the baby’s saliva have not been shown to have a special effect on protecting the baby from the onset when exposed to the new coronaurus. “Antibodies in baby’s saliva can help protect against viruses that come into contact through the eyes and nose,” said Tina Tan, a professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University.

“The best way for mothers to protect herself and her infant from the new coronavirus is to get vaccinated during pregnancy,” she recommends.

Carsetti said studies are currently underway to test the results of the study and to see if active immunization against the new coronavirus works in infants born to vaccinated mothers.

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