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Should HEV infected mothers breast feed?
Rachana M Chibber1, M Assad Usmani, Mohammed H Al-Sibai
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine and Medical Science, King Faisal University, PO Box 2208, 31952 Dammam, Al Khobour, Kingdom Of Saudia Arabia. rchibber@ hospital.kfu.edu.sa
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
|April 17, 2003
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) antibodies and RNA were detected in the colostrum of infected mothers, but breastfeeding did not transmit HEV to infants. Postpartum close contact, especially with acute maternal illness, may pose a transmission risk.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection during pregnancy poses risks to both mother and infant.
- Understanding HEV transmission routes, including via breastfeeding, is crucial for infant health.
- Limited data exists on HEV presence in breast milk and its implications for neonatal infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of anti-HEV antibodies and HEV RNA in the colostrum of HEV-infected mothers.
- To determine the risk of HEV transmission to infants through breastfeeding.
- To explore potential postpartum transmission routes of HEV.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 93 HEV-infected pregnant mothers and 90 healthy controls.
- Maternal blood and colostrum samples were tested for anti-HEV and HEV RNA.
- Infant blood samples were collected at birth and at multiple time points up to 9 months of age.
Main Results:
- Anti-HEV antibodies and HEV RNA were found in colostrum, but at significantly lower levels than in maternal blood.
- Six infants born to mothers with acute HEV disease were formula-fed; four developed symptomatic liver disease due to close contact.
- No HEV infection was detected in infants who were exclusively breastfed; control group infants remained HEV-negative.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding appears safe for infants of HEV-infected mothers, despite the presence of HEV in colostrum.
- Postpartum transmission can occur through close maternal-infant contact, particularly during acute maternal HEV illness.
- Further studies are needed to confirm these findings regarding HEV transmission and breastfeeding.