In vitro antifungal effect of human milk
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Published on: February 14, 2018
Emin Mete1, Nüket Bavbek, Sabriye Dayi
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy, Fatih University Medical Faculty, Hoşdere C. No:145, Y. Ayranci, 06540 Ankara, Turkey. metee@hotmail.com
Abstract:
A lower incidence of infection occurs among breast-fed babies because of the presence of antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic effects, but little is known about the antifungal effects to fungi other than Candida albicans. This study was undertaken to assess the antifungal effect of human milk to the fungi in the environmental air, which also may be allergenic. Milk samples were obtained from lactating mothers of healthy term infants between the 3rd and 8th days of lactation. Ninety-six Sabouraud agar petri dishes were separated into three groups, closed, and incubated in the same location after 15 minutes uncovered. The first group (group 1, n=48 dishes) was used to detect the fungal flora of the environmental air. The second group (group 2, n=24 dishes) was rubbed with a thin layer of human milk by a sterile pipette. The last group (group 3, n=24 dishes) was rubbed with 0.9% NaCIlsolution. After 7 days of incubation, the colony-forming fungal growths of all dishes were evaluated by a microbiologist who did not know the groups of the dishes. The number offungal colonies grown in human milk-rubbed dishes in group 2 was less than both of the other groups (group 1 and 3; p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). These results indicated that human milk may have antifungal effects to fungi present in the environmental air as tested by Sabouraud agar petri dishes. To prevent infections and allergic diseases, human milk must be considered the ideal food for newborns.
Insights
Human milk demonstrates antifungal properties against environmental fungi, potentially reducing infections and allergies in infants. This finding highlights human milk
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Breast milk is known for antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic properties.
- Antifungal effects of human milk, particularly against environmental fungi beyond Candida albicans, are less understood.
- Environmental airborne fungi can act as allergens and contribute to infant health issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antifungal efficacy of human milk against airborne fungi.
- To assess the potential of human milk in preventing fungal-related allergies and infections in newborns.
Main Methods:
- Human milk samples were collected from mothers of healthy term infants between days 3 and 8 postpartum.
- Ninety-six Sabouraud agar plates were divided into three groups: environmental air exposure (Group 1), human milk inoculation (Group 2), and saline control (Group 3).
- Plates were incubated for 7 days, and fungal colony growth was assessed by a blinded microbiologist.
Main Results:
- Significantly fewer fungal colonies grew on plates treated with human milk (Group 2) compared to both environmental air exposure (Group 1) and saline control (Group 3) (p < 0.001 for both).
- Human milk demonstrated a potent inhibitory effect on the growth of environmental fungi.
- Statistical analysis confirmed the significant antifungal activity of human milk.
Conclusions:
- Human milk possesses significant antifungal properties against common environmental airborne fungi.
- These findings support the role of human milk in protecting infants from fungal infections and allergic diseases.
- Human milk should be considered the optimal nutrition for newborns due to its comprehensive protective effects.
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