Effect of breast-feeding on immune response to BCG vaccination

Lancet. 1989 Feb 11;1(8633):295-7. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(89)91307-x.

Abstract

The effect on BCG immunisation of feeding either formula or breast milk was assessed in Canadian Cree infants who were vaccinated either at birth or after 1 month of age. The response to BCG was measured in terms of lymphocyte blastogenesis stimulated by purified protein derivative of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Breast-feeding significantly enhanced cell-mediated immune response to BCG vaccine given at birth, but had no significant effect if vaccine was given after 1 month. These findings were not related to maternal history of tuberculosis or BCG vaccination, and the feeding method did not influence lymphocyte stimulation by candida or streptococcal antigens.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Alberta
  • BCG Vaccine / immunology*
  • Breast Feeding*
  • Candida / immunology
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular
  • Indians, North American
  • Infant Food
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Male
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / immunology
  • Streptokinase / immunology
  • Tuberculosis / immunology*

Substances

  • BCG Vaccine
  • Streptokinase