Hannah G Juncker1, M Romijn1, Veerle N Loth1, Tom G Caniels2, Christianne J M de Groot3, Dasja Pajkrt1, Marit J van Gils2, Johannes B van Goudoever1, Britt J van Keulen1. 1. Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, University of Amsterdam, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. 2. Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. 3. Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Human milk contains antibodies against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) following Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). These antibodies may serve as protection against COVID-19 in infants. However, the evolution of these human milk antibodies over time is unclear. RESEARCH AIM: To elucidate the evolution of immunoglobulin A (IgA) against SARS-CoV-2 in human milk after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: This longitudinal follow-up study included lactating mothers (N = 24) who had participated in the COVID MILK study. To assess the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, serum and human milk samples were collected 14-143 days after the onset of clinical symptoms related to COVID-19. Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay was used to detect antibodies against the ectodomain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. RESULTS: SARS-CoV-2 antibodies remain present up to 5 months (143 days) in human milk after onset of COVID-19 symptoms. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 IgA in human milk seems to gradually decrease over time. CONCLUSION: Human milk from SARS-CoV-2 convalescent lactating mothers contains specific IgA antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein up to at least 5 months post-infection. Passive viral immunity can be transferred via human milk and may serve as protection for infants against COVID-19. Dutch Trial Register on May 1st, 2020, number: NL 8575, URL: https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/8575.
BACKGROUND:Human milk contains antibodies against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) following Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). These antibodies may serve as protection against COVID-19 in infants. However, the evolution of these human milk antibodies over time is unclear. RESEARCH AIM: To elucidate the evolution of immunoglobulin A (IgA) against SARS-CoV-2 in human milk after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: This longitudinal follow-up study included lactating mothers (N = 24) who had participated in the COVID MILK study. To assess the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, serum and human milk samples were collected 14-143 days after the onset of clinical symptoms related to COVID-19. Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay was used to detect antibodies against the ectodomain of the SARS-CoV-2spike protein. RESULTS:SARS-CoV-2 antibodies remain present up to 5 months (143 days) in human milk after onset of COVID-19 symptoms. Overall, SARS-CoV-2IgA in human milk seems to gradually decrease over time. CONCLUSION:Human milk from SARS-CoV-2 convalescent lactating mothers contains specific IgA antibodies against SARS-CoV-2spike protein up to at least 5 months post-infection. Passive viral immunity can be transferred via human milk and may serve as protection for infants against COVID-19. Dutch Trial Register on May 1st, 2020, number: NL 8575, URL: https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/8575.
Entities:
Keywords:
COVID-19; breastfeeding; coronavirus; immunoglobulins; lactation; mother’s own milk; secretory IgA