Human Milk Oligosaccharides Exhibit Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Properties against Group B Streptococcus

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Human Lactation

Background:

• Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) causes severe infections in newborns and adults.
• Breast milk components, particularly human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), are increasingly recognized for their role in infant health and immunity.
• The impact of HMOs on GBS pathogenesis, especially concerning colonization and transmission via breastfeeding, remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) on the growth and biofilm formation of Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS).
• To identify specific HMOs that may modulate GBS colonization and pathogenesis.
• To explore the potential of HMOs as antibiofilm agents against GBS.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and profiling of HMOs from human milk samples using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry.
• In vitro growth and biofilm assays to assess the impact of HMOs on GBS.
• High-resolution field-emission gun scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy to visualize GBS cell arrangement and biofilm structure.

Main Results:

• HMOs from specific maternal milk groups significantly modulated the growth and biofilm formation of GBS.
• Specific oligosaccharides demonstrated an antibiofilm effect, reducing GBS colonization.
• Microscopy confirmed that HMOs alter GBS cell arrangement and biofilm architecture.

Conclusions:

• Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) play a crucial role in modulating GBS growth and biofilm formation.
• HMOs represent a novel class of antibiofilm agents against GBS, with implications for preventing neonatal infections.
• This research highlights the potential of targeting HMO-GBS interactions to enhance infant protection against GBS disease.