Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

February 11, 2021

Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, Antibodies, and Neutralizing Capacity in Milk Produced by Women with COVID-19

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SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected by RT-qPCR in breast milk samples (n=37) collected from 18 women following COVID-19 diagnosis. Breast milk was collected on average 12.0 +/- 8.9 days after onset of signs and/or symptoms.  In contrast, 76% and 80% of samples contained anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA and IgG, respectively, and 62% of samples neutralized SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Only 8 of 70 breast skin swabs contained viral RNA, one of which was a conclusive positive result.

Pace et al. (Feb 9, 2021). Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, Antibodies, and Neutralizing Capacity in Milk Produced by Women with COVID-19. MBio. https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.03192-20