SARS-CoV-2 genome and antibodies in breastmilk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective To systematically review and meta-analyse the rate of SARS-CoV-2 genome identification and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in breastmilk of mothers with COVID-19. Design A systematic review of studies published between January 2019 and October 2020 without study design or language restrictions. Setting Data sourced from Ovid Embase Classic+Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, relevant bibliographies and the John Hopkins University COVID-19 database. Patients Mothers with confirmed COVID-19 and breastmilk tested for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR or for antiSARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Main outcome measures Presence of SARS-CoV-2 genome and antibodies in breastmilk. Results We included 50 articles. Twelve out of 183 women from 48 studies were positive for SARS-CoV-2 genome in their breastmilk (pooled proportion 5% (95% CI 2% to 15%; I-2=48%)). Six infants (50%) of these 12 mothers tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, with one requiring respiratory support. Sixty-one out of 89 women from 10 studies had anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody in their breastmilk (pooled proportion 83% (95% CI 32% to 98%; I-2 =88%)). The predominant antibody detected was IgA. Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 genome presence in breastmilk is uncommon and is associated with mild symptoms in infants. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies may be a more common finding. Considering the low proportion of SARS-CoV-2 genome detected in breastmilk and its lower virulence, mothers with COVID-19 should be supported to breastfeed.

Automated summary

The presence of SARS-CoV-2 genome in breastmilk is rare and associated with mild symptoms in infants, while anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are more commonly detected and may provide some level of protection for infants.