Evaluation of Breastmilk Microbiota as a Function for Immunity

The maternal microbiota is one of the relevant factors in the development of the infant's immune system, whereby the colonization of microbes in human begins at birth, when the newborn baby is exposed to maternal vaginal, gastrointestinal microbiota and as well as the microbes from the external environment. The neonatal intestine is colonized by symbiotic bacteria can be divided into four main steps; (i) acquisition of maternal vaginal, colonic, and skin flora at birth; (ii) introduction of oral feedings (breastfeeding or formula feeding); (iii) weaning; and (iv) acquisition of complete adult colonization.

Breastfeeding is associated with the protection of the infants from either infections or infection-related conditions, such as gastroenteritis, upper and lower respiratory tract infection, acute otitis media, urinary tract infection, neonatal septicaemia and necrotizing enterocoltis. The protection is through the combination of action of the breast milk components, such as maternal immunoglobulins, immunocompetent cells, or variety of anti-microbial compounds. Besides that, breast milk also contains prebiotic substances which may selectively stimulate the growth of limited number of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

A total number of 100 lactating mothers are needed for this study. Subjects will be recruited from HUSM Kubang Kerian, USM Main Campus Penang, and Institut Perubatan & Pergigian Termaju USM Penang. The subjects will be explained on all related information in the consent form prior to signing. The procedure of collecting sample is hands must be washed before milk expression, and nipples are cleaned with sterile water and alcohol swab. 15mL of fresh breast milk will be collected into a tube and stored at -20℃ until further analyses.

Inclusion criteria

• Lactating women
• Willing to commit throughout the experiment

Exclusion criteria

• Long term medication due to certain illnesses for over 3 months during pregnancy
• Gestational diabetes during pregnancy
• History of diabetes, coronary heart disease, and hypertension in life
• BMI before pregnancy above 24.9
• Consuming probiotic product during pregnancy
• Consuming probiotic product during lactation period