Hannah G Juncker1,2, Michelle Romijn1, Veerle N Loth1, Eliza J M Ruhé1, Sjors Bakker1, Saskia Kleinendorst1, Christianne J M de Groot3, Dasja Pajkrt1, Aniko Korosi2, Johannes B van Goudoever1, Marit J van Gils4, Britt J van Keulen1. 1. 3325631209 Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, University of Amsterdam, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. 2. 84709 Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences - Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. 3. 26066 Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. 4. Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: It has been demonstrated that human milk from mothers who have been infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) contains antibodies against the virus, which could play an important role in protecting the recipient infant against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Seroconversion is measured frequently around the world, but the milk conversion rate is unknown. RESEARCH AIMS: To determine (1) the prevalence and (2) the dynamics of immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in human milk amongst lactating mothers in the Netherlands. METHODS: In this large prospective cohort study, lactating mothers (N = 2312) were included between October 12, 2020 and February 24, 2021. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine levels of IgA antibodies in human milk and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in serum against the ectodomain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. RESULTS: A total of 691 (30.6%) participants had SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies in human milk and/or serum. Of these participants, 524 (23.1%) had IgA antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in human milk, and 356 (15.7%) had IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in serum. A total of 199 (8.8%) participants had antibodies in both human milk and serum. SARS-CoV-2 specific IgA antibodies in human milk remain present at least 10 months after a polymerase chain reaction confirmed infection. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of IgA antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in human milk was 23.1% in our cohort. This high prevalence of antibodies in human milk might lead to passive immunity in many breastfed infants and may serve as protection against COVID-19.
BACKGROUND: It has been demonstrated that human milk from mothers who have been infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) contains antibodies against the virus, which could play an important role in protecting the recipient infant against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Seroconversion is measured frequently around the world, but the milk conversion rate is unknown. RESEARCH AIMS: To determine (1) the prevalence and (2) the dynamics of immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in human milk amongst lactating mothers in the Netherlands. METHODS: In this large prospective cohort study, lactating mothers (N = 2312) were included between October 12, 2020 and February 24, 2021. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine levels of IgA antibodies in human milk and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in serum against the ectodomain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. RESULTS: A total of 691 (30.6%) participants had SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies in human milk and/or serum. Of these participants, 524 (23.1%) had IgA antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in human milk, and 356 (15.7%) had IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in serum. A total of 199 (8.8%) participants had antibodies in both human milk and serum. SARS-CoV-2 specific IgA antibodies in human milk remain present at least 10 months after a polymerase chain reaction confirmed infection. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of IgA antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in human milk was 23.1% in our cohort. This high prevalence of antibodies in human milk might lead to passive immunity in many breastfed infants and may serve as protection against COVID-19.
Authors: Jiong Wang; Bridget E Young; Dongmei Li; Antti Seppo; Qian Zhou; Alexander Wiltse; Anna Nowak-Wegrzyn; Katherine Murphy; Kaili Widrick; Nicole Diaz; Joseline Cruz-Vasquez; Kirsi M Järvinen; Martin S Zand Journal: Vaccines (Basel) Date: 2022-06-20
Authors: Hannah G Juncker; Eliza J M Ruhé; Aniko Korosi; Johannes B van Goudoever; Marit J van Gils; Britt J van Keulen Journal: Front Nutr Date: 2022-06-30
Authors: Hannah G Juncker; Sien J Mulleners; Marit J van Gils; Tom P L Bijl; Christianne J M de Groot; Dasja Pajkrt; Aniko Korosi; Johannes B van Goudoever; Britt J van Keulen Journal: Vaccines (Basel) Date: 2021-12-14
Authors: Hannah G Juncker; Sien J Mulleners; Eliza J M Ruhé; Esmée R M Coenen; Sjors Bakker; Maritt van Doesburg; Jolinda E Harinck; Romee D Rood; Joey H Bouhuijs; Melissa Oomen; Prof Christianne J M de Groot; Prof Dasja Pajkrt; Aniko Korosi; Prof Johannes B van Goudoever; Marit J van Gils; Britt J van Keulen Journal: EClinicalMedicine Date: 2022-04-18