Fecal calprotectin concentrations are higher in exclusively breastfed infants compared to those who are mixed-fed.
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have shown that giving other foods while breastfeeding increases the risk of mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1. The mechanism is speculated to be increased inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.


METHODS
In a prospective longitudinal study, we compared fecal calprotectin, a marker of intestinal inflammatory disease, in healthy U.S. infants 0-6 months of age who were exclusively breastfed compared to those given additional liquids or solids.


RESULTS
In comparison to infants who were mixed-fed, fecal calprotectin was significantly higher in the exclusively breastfed group (p = 0.01) by a mean of 60 mg/kg (SE = 23).


CONCLUSIONS
Introducing complementary food does not increase intestinal inflammation according to this marker. Studies to assess fecal calprotectin levels in breastfeeding and mixed-fed infants born to HIV-infected mothers living in resource-constrained settings, and to evaluate potential protective effects of calprotectin in early infancy, are recommended in the continuing effort to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for increased risk of HIV transmission through mixed-feeding.
Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, USA. ken.d.rosenberg@state.or.us
Stephanie M
SM
Dorosko
Todd
T
Mackenzie
Ruth I
RI
Connor
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D001903:Bottle Feeding; D001942:Breast Feeding; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food / Q000009:adverse effects; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000378:metabolism; D039841:Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex / Q000032:analysis*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014886:Weaning
D015415:Biomarkers; D039841:Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex