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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Isolation of Leukocytes from Human Breast Milk for Use in an Antibody-dependent Cellular Phagocytosis Assay of HIV Targets
Published on: September 6, 2019
Coxsackievirus B3 in human milk
Mei-Ling Chang1, Kuo-Chien Tsao, Chi-Chia Huang
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Tiawan.
Coxsackievirus B3 was detected in breast milk of mothers with severely infected neonates using RT-PCR. The virus was undetectable in milk 12-14 days after symptom onset, indicating a limited transmission window.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Neonatal disease caused by Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) presents a significant mortality risk.
- Understanding transmission routes is crucial for preventing severe outcomes in newborns.
Observation:
- This study reports the first detection of CVB3 in maternal breast milk from two cases of severe neonatal infection.
- Both culture and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methods were employed for virus identification.
Findings:
- RT-PCR demonstrated rapid and sensitive detection of CVB3 in breast milk.
- CVB3 was no longer detectable in the breast milk of symptomatic mothers 12 to 14 days post-symptom onset.
Implications:
- RT-PCR is a valuable tool for rapid diagnosis of CVB3 in breast milk.
- The findings suggest a potential, time-limited window for CVB3 transmission via breastfeeding.
- Further research is needed to confirm the clinical significance of CVB3 in breast milk for neonatal health.
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