Enhancement of human rotavirus infectivity in a monkey kidney cell line by human expressed breast milk

Eight of forty (20%) human expressed breast milks enhanced the infectivity of human rotavirus (HRV) when assayed by immunofluorescence in a monkey kidney cell line (LLC-MK2). This enhancement was demonstrated with two HRV strains, one derived from a fecal specimen of a child with acute gastroenteritis, the other a tissue culture adapted strain. The phenomenon could have important implications in the pathogenesis of HRV infections and in future vaccine programs.