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[Effect of breastfeeding on immune function in infants with human cytomegalovirus infection]
Peng-Kai Fan1, Xin Xie1, Jing Chen1
1Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University/Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 451161, China.
Insights
Breastfeeding infants with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) does not impact their immune function. This study found no significant differences in immune markers between breast milk HCMV positive and negative infants.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pediatrics
Context:
- Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a common congenital infection.
- Breastfeeding is a critical factor in infant immunity.
- The impact of HCMV transmission through breast milk on infant immune status requires clarification.
Purpose:
- To investigate the effect of breastfeeding on the immune function of infants diagnosed with HCMV infection.
- To compare immune parameters in infants based on HCMV presence in breast milk.
Summary:
- A retrospective analysis of 135 infants with HCMV infection who were breastfed was conducted.
- Infants were categorized into groups based on HCMV presence and viral load in breast milk.
- Key immune indicators, including lymphocyte subsets and immunoglobulin levels, were assessed.
Impact:
- This study indicates that breastfeeding infants with HCMV does not adversely affect their immune function.
- Findings suggest that the benefits of breastfeeding may outweigh potential risks associated with HCMV transmission via breast milk.
- Provides evidence to support continued breastfeeding recommendations for infants with HCMV infection.
Objectives:
To study the effect of breastfeeding on immune function in infants with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of 135 infants with HCMV infection who were admitted to Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from January 2021 to May 2022, and all these infants received breastfeeding. According to the results of breast milk HCMV-DNA testing, the infants were divided into two groups: breast milk HCMV positive (n=78) and breast milk HCMV negative (n=57). According to the median breast milk HCMV-DNA load, the infants in the breast milk HCMV positive group were further divided into two subgroups: high viral load and low viral load (n=39 each). Related indicators were compared between the breast milk positive and negative HCMV groups and between the breast milk high viral load and low viral load subgroups, including the percentages of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets (CD3+ T cells, CD3+CD4+ T cells, CD3+CD8+ T cells, and CD19+ B cells), CD4+/CD8+ ratio, IgG, IgM, IgA, and urine HCMV-DNA load.
Results:
There were no significant differences in the percentages of CD3+ T cells, CD3+CD4+ T cells, CD3+CD8+ T cells, and CD19+ B cells, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, IgG, IgM, IgA, and urine HCMV-DNA load between the breast milk HCMV positive and HCMV negative groups, as well as between the breast milk high viral load and low viral load subgroups (P>0.05).
Conclusions:
Breastfeeding with HCMV does not affect the immune function of infants with HCMV infection.
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