The role of human milk immunomodulators in protecting against viral bronchiolitis and development of chronic wheezing illness

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    28 Citations (Scopus)
    33 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Infants who are breastfed are at an immunological advantage when compared with formula fed infants, evidenced by decreased incidence of infections and diminished propensity for long term conditions, including chronic wheeze and/or asthma. Exclusive breastfeeding reduces the duration of hospital admission, risk of respiratory failure and requirement for supplemental oxygen in infants hospitalised with bronchiolitis suggesting a potentially protective mechanism. This review examines the evidence and potential pathways for protection by immunomodulatory factors in human milk against the most common viral cause of bronchiolitis, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and subsequent recurrent wheeze in infants. Further investigations into the interplay between respiratory virus infections such as RSV and how they affect, and are affected by, human milk immunomodulators is necessary if we are to gain a true understanding of how breastfeeding protects many infants but not all against infections, and how this relates to long-term protection against conditions such as chronic wheezing illness or asthma.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)289-304
    Number of pages16
    JournalChildren
    Volume2
    Issue number3
    Early online date7 Jul 2015
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Sept 2015

    Keywords

    • Breastfeeding
    • Bronchiolitis
    • Cytokines
    • Leukocytes
    • RSV
    • Viruses

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'The role of human milk immunomodulators in protecting against viral bronchiolitis and development of chronic wheezing illness'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this