Microorganisms in human milk: lights and shadows

J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2013 Oct:26 Suppl 2:30-4. doi: 10.3109/14767058.2013.829693.

Abstract

Human milk has been traditionally considered germ free, however, recent studies have shown that it represents a continuous supply of commensal and potentially probiotic bacteria to the infant gut. Mammary microbioma may exercise anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and metabolic properties. Moreover human milk may be a source of pathogenic microorganism during maternal infection, if contaminated during expression or in case of vaccination of the mother. The non-sterility of breast milk can, thus, be seen as a protective factor, or rarely, as a risk factor for the newborn.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunomodulation / physiology
  • Microbiota / physiology*
  • Milk, Human / microbiology*
  • Probiotics
  • Symbiosis

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents