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A Method for Targeted 16S Sequencing of Human Milk Samples
Published on: March 23, 2018
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Human Breast Milk
Rüdiger Groß1, Carina Conzelmann1, Jan Münch1
1Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany.
Abstract:
Certain viral pathogens can be shed into the human breast milk and cause infections in the infant upon breastfeeding. Thus, it is important to clarify whether viral RNA as well as infectious virus can be found in breast milk. The complexity of this body fluid poses several challenges for viral RNA isolation and detection of infectious virus. We here provide a protocol that allowed the identification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in breast milk and the isolation of infectious virus after the virus has been artificially spiked into milk samples.
Insights
This study developed a protocol to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA and infectious virus in human breast milk. The method addresses challenges in analyzing this complex fluid, ensuring infant safety during breastfeeding.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Viral pathogens can transmit to infants via human breast milk.
- Detecting viral RNA and infectious virus in breast milk is crucial for infant health.
- Breast milk's complexity presents challenges for viral detection methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a reliable protocol for identifying SARS-CoV-2 RNA in breast milk.
- To develop a method for isolating infectious SARS-CoV-2 from breast milk samples.
- To address the challenges of viral detection in complex biological fluids like breast milk.
Main Methods:
- Development of a specialized protocol for viral RNA isolation from breast milk.
- Application of the protocol to identify SARS-CoV-2 RNA.
- Artificial spiking of milk samples with SARS-CoV-2 to test infectious virus isolation.
Main Results:
- Successful identification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in breast milk samples.
- Demonstrated isolation of infectious SARS-CoV-2 from spiked milk.
- The protocol effectively overcomes challenges associated with breast milk analysis.
Conclusions:
- The developed protocol enables accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in breast milk.
- Infectious SARS-CoV-2 can be isolated from breast milk, confirming potential transmission routes.
- This research contributes to safeguarding infant health during breastfeeding in the context of viral outbreaks.
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