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Host Defense Proteins in Breast Milk and Neonatal Yeast Colonization

Brian D W Chow1, Juliann L Reardon2, Emily O Perry3

  • 1Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, Marshfield, WI, USA.

Journal of Human Lactation : Official Journal of International Lactation Consultant Association
|June 28, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Breast milk contains proteins that may protect infants from yeast colonization. Lower levels of lysozyme and dermcidin in breast milk were associated with Candida colonization in neonates.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal immunology
  • Microbial colonization
  • Host-pathogen interactions

Background:

  • Neonatal invasive candidiasis risk increases with colonization.
  • Breast milk host defense proteins may influence infant yeast colonization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate breast milk host defense proteins in relation to infant yeast colonization.
  • Investigate specific proteins like lactoferrin, lysozyme, and dermcidin.

Main Methods:

  • Analyzed breast milk from 61 infants in a neonatal intensive care unit over 12 weeks.
  • Measured levels of human lactoferrin, lysozyme, apolipoprotein J, mucin-1, dermcidin, and soluble CD14 using ELISA.
  • Compared protein concentrations between colonized and uncolonized infants.

Main Results:

  • Soluble CD14 was higher in colonized infants (1.8 μg/mL) vs. uncolonized (1.6 μg/mL).
  • Lysozyme levels were significantly higher in uncolonized infants (483.0 ng/mL) compared to colonized (298.3 ng/mL).
  • Dermcidin levels were also higher in uncolonized infants (19.4 ng/mL) versus colonized (8.7 ng/mL).

Conclusions:

  • Neonatal Candida colonization is associated with lower levels of lysozyme and dermcidin in breast milk.
  • Further research is required to validate these findings and understand the implications.
Abstract

Keywords:
Candidabreastfeedingcolonizationneonatal

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