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Breastmilk from COVID-19 negative lactating mothers shows neutralizing activity against SARS-COV-2

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Breastmilk protects newborns from infections through specific and nonspecific compounds. This study investigated the neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2 of breastmilk from SARS-CoV-2 negative, unvaccinated mothers, and compared it to that from infected nursing mothers. We enrolled women after COVID-19 swab testing results upon maternity admission, and divided them into two groups: group A, COVID-19-positive mothers, and group B, negative mothers. Breastmilk was randomly sampled at 2, 7, and 20 days postpartum. We collected 19 samples for Group A and 41 for Group B. A microneutralization assay was used to determine the 50% neutralization (NT50) titre. The presence of neutralizing antibodies was also determined. Group A had 100% neutralizing samples at T0, declining in T1 and T2. Group B samples exhibited neutralizing activity mostly at T1 (90%). Negative mothers' samples showed no correlation between NT50 titres and antibodies' presence, suggesting that non-specific breast milk components may exert antiviral action against SARS-CoV-2.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42421-6