Is Maternal Hepatitis A Infection compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Maternal Hepatitis A Infection?

Maternal Hepatitis A Infection

June 10, 2018 (Very Low Risk)

Although IgM and IgG antibodies and, occasionally, hepatitis A virus RNA have been detected in breastmilk, there have been no cases of vertical mother-infant transmission through breastmilk (Chaudhry 2015, Daudi 2012, Selander 2009, Stiehm 2001).

Therefore, and given the benefits of breastfeeding, it is recommended that all mothers with hepatitis A continue breastfeeding (Chaudhry 2015, Garcia 2015, Daudi 2012, Sookoian 2006). Unless the mother is very unwell, breastfeeding can continue without being interrupted.

It is very important to take the appropriate sanitary measures to minimize the risk of fecal-oral transmission to the breastfeeding baby: hand washing should be frequent especially the first 3 to 4 weeks that there is elimination of virus.
If the mother's infection is recent (fewer than 15 days), the infant should be protected with a vaccine or with standard immunoglobulin (Daudi 2012, CDC 1990).


See below the information of these related products:
Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Writings

  • Ηπατίτιδα Α μητέρας (Greek)

References

  1. Chaudhry SA, Koren G. Hepatitis A infection during pregnancy. Can Fam Physician. 2015Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  2. Garcia-Loygorri MC, De Luis D, Torreblanca B, March GA, Bachiller MR, Eiros JM. La leche materna como vehículo de transmisión de virus. [Beast Milk as vehicle of transmission of virus]. Nutr Hosp. 2015Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Daudi N, Shouval D, Stein-Zamir C, Ackerman Z. Breastmilk hepatitis A virus RNA in nursing mothers with acute hepatitis A virus infection. Breastfeed Med. 2012Abstract
  4. Selander B, Bläckberg J, Widell A, Johansson PJ. No evidence of intrauterine transmission of hepatitis A virus from a mother to a premature infant. Acta Paediatr. 2009Abstract
  5. Sookoian S. Liver disease during pregnancy: acute viral hepatitis. Ann Hepatol. 2006Abstract
  6. Stiehm ER, Keller MA. Breast milk transmission of viral disease. Adv Nutr Res. 2001Abstract
  7. CDC-ACIP. Protection Against Viral Hepatitis Recommendations of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP). Recommendations and Reports. 1990 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)