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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
09:02
Breast Milk Enhances Growth of Enteroids: An Ex Vivo Model of Cell Proliferation
Published on: February 15, 2018
Breast milk causing neonatal sepsis and death.
J Widger1, N H O'Connell, T Stack
1Department of Neonatology, Midwestern Regional Hospitals, Limerick, Ireland. jwidger1@yahoo.com
Summary
Breast milk can transmit infections to preterm infants. Expressed breast milk was the likely source of late-onset neonatal sepsis in three preterm infants, leading to one fatality.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Breast milk is a vital source of nutrition for infants.
- Preterm infants are particularly vulnerable to infections.
- Transmission of pathogens via breast milk is a recognized risk.
Observation:
- Three cases of late-onset neonatal sepsis in preterm infants were identified.
- All affected infants had received expressed breast milk.
- One infant experienced a fatal outcome.
Findings:
- The causative microorganisms were likely transmitted through expressed breast milk.
- This highlights a potential route for serious infections in vulnerable neonates.
- Late-onset sepsis can occur due to contaminated breast milk.
Implications:
- Clinical vigilance is required regarding the safety of expressed breast milk for preterm infants.
- Screening and handling protocols for expressed breast milk may need review.
- This underscores the importance of infection control in neonatal intensive care units.
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