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[What is the source of mycelial fungi in expressed human milk?]
Franz Reis Novak1, João Aprígio Guerra de Almeida, Manoel J S Santos
1Banco de Leite Humano, Departamento de Assistência, Instituto Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22250-020, Brasil. novak@iff.fiocruz.br
Abstract:
The authors characterized the genera of mycelial fungi found in samples of expressed human milk received through home collection by the Human Milk Bank of the Instituto Fernandes Figueira in Rio de Janeiro. A total of 821 samples of expressed human milk were taken randomly from bottles collected at home by the milk donors themselves and were investigated for molds, yeasts, and mesophilic microorganisms. The analyses showed the occurrence of molds and yeasts in 43 (5.2%) of the samples, with counts reaching 103CFU/ml. Some 48 strains of mycelial fungi were identified by standard laboratory techniques, including: Aspergillus Niger group (6.3%), Aspergillus sp. (4.2%), Paecilomyces sp. (12.6%), Penicillium sp. (60.4%), Rhizopus sp. (2.0%), and Syncephalastrum sp. (14.5%). The authors discuss the importance of donor hands' asepsis prior to collecting human milk.
Insights
Mycelial fungi, including Penicillium and Aspergillus, were found in 5.2% of human milk samples collected at home. Proper hand asepsis by milk donors is crucial to minimize fungal contamination in expressed breast milk.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Mycology
- Food Science
Context:
- Human milk banking relies on safe collection practices.
- Home collection of expressed human milk presents unique contamination challenges.
- Microbial analysis of human milk is essential for infant safety.
Purpose:
- To identify and quantify mycelial fungi in home-collected human milk samples.
- To assess the prevalence of fungal contamination in expressed breast milk.
- To highlight the significance of donor hygiene in milk collection.
Summary:
- A study analyzed 821 human milk samples collected at home by donors.
- Molds and yeasts were detected in 5.2% of samples, with Penicillium being the most common genus (60.4%).
- Fungal contamination underscores the need for strict aseptic techniques during milk expression and collection.
Impact:
- Findings emphasize the importance of donor hand asepsis to ensure milk safety.
- This research informs guidelines for human milk banking and home collection protocols.
- Reducing fungal contamination protects vulnerable infants from potential infections.