[Maternal lactation. II. Intestinal colonization in breast fed newborn infants]

Abstract

Twenty-three low birth weight infants were studied to establish the role that breast milk plays in the intestinal colonization of the preterm infant, and in the control of epidemic diarrhea due to enteropathogenic E. coli, in nurseries. Twelve of these case were fed breast milk in bottles, and eleven with "humanized" powder cow's milk (NAN M.R.). Bacteriologic studies of feces were performed daily during the first 18 days of life. In 5 cases given breast milk, and in 8 receiving cow's milk, Staphylococcus aureus was isolated. Enteropathogenic E. coli was found in 3 cases with breast milk and in 6 with cow's milk. The finding of other non-pathogenic strains, was similar for both groups, except in the case of Proteus, that was found in 10 cases with breast milk, and in only 3 cases with cow's milk. Breast milk was unable to avoid the colonization by E. coli and in one case, was unable to eradicate this germ. None of the cases fed breast milk had diarrhea, including the three cases with E. coli. In another group, 4 cases developed severe acute diarrhea, due to enteropathogenic E. coli followed by 2 deaths. The results seem to point out that although colonization by enteropathogenic strains of E. coli is not completely avoided, these strains do not cause disease when these infants are fed breast milk.

PIP: To establish the role of maternal milk in intestinal colonization of premature newborns 23 cases were investigated; 12 were fed breast milk in bottles, and 11 were fed cow's milk. Bacteriological studies of feces were done every day for the first 18 days of life. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 5 babies given breast milk, and in 11 babies given cow's milk, and E. Coli was found in 3 and 6 babies, respectively. Other nonpathogenic strains were found in similar proportions in both groups, except Proteus, which was found in 10 babies fed breast milk, and in only 3 babies fed cow's milk. Breast milk did not avoid the colonization of E. Coli, but none of the babies fed breast milk had diarrhea, including the 3 cases with E. Coli, compared to 4 in the other group, 2 of whom died. From these results it is possible to assume that although breast milk cannot avoid colonization by E. Coli, this strain does not cause disease.