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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Julian Thomas
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Background. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) in maternal milk may protect Gambian infants from early Helicobacter pylori colonization. This study sought evidence that this protection could be due to specific IgA antibodies. Methods. Sixty-five infants were screened from 12 weeks of age with [13C]-urea breath tests. Antibodies in maternal milk were measured to determine total IgA content and to detect specific IgA antibodies against crude whole-cell and recombinant H. pylori urease antigen preparations. Results. Ten children (15%) had no evidence of early H. pylori colonization, 10 (15%) had early H. pylori colonization, and 43 (66%) had mixed results. Levels of maternal circulating specific immunoglobulin G, total milk IgA, and IgA directed against crude whole-cell H. pylori antigen preparation were not significantly associated with the rate of infant H. pylori colonization. However, mothers of infants with no evidence of early colonization produced significantly higher levels of anti-recombinant urease IgA antibodies in milk than did control mothers, particularly at 8, 16, and 20 weeks postpartum (P < .01). Conclusions. These observations support the hypothesis that antibodies in mother's milk directed against H. pylori urease can protect against colonization in human infancy.
Author(s): Thomas JE, Bunn JEG, Kleanthous H, Monath TP, Harding M, Coward WA, Weaver LT
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Clinical Infectious Diseases
Year: 2004
Volume: 39
Issue: 8
Pages: 1155-1160
ISSN (print): 1058-4838
ISSN (electronic): 1537-6591
Publisher: Oxford University Press
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/424514
DOI: 10.1086/424514
PubMed id: 15486839
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