Effect of human milk and colostrum on Entamoeba histolytica

Abstract

Aim: Many defense factors of the mother's colostrum or milk protect infants from intestinal, respiratory and systemic infections. In the present study, we investigated the effect of colostrum and mature human milk on E. histolytica parasites in vitro. Methods: Samples of human milk were collected from 5 healthy lactating mothers. The medium with human milk at concentrations of 2%, 5% and 10% was obtained. Results: The lethal effect of E. histolytica on the medium supplemented with different concentrations of both colostrum and mature human milk was significant during the first 30 min. We also detected that the results of colostrum and mature human milk were similar. No statistically significant differences were found between same concentrations of colostrum and mature human milk at the same times. Conclusion: Colostrum and mature human milk have significant lethal effect on E. histolytica and protect against its infection in breast fed children. Copyright © 2004 by The WJG Press.