Part two of a quiz I use as a pretest for residents, from the chart (pg 78) 
in Dr Newman's article. Tune in tomorrow for the answers.

Trying a different format for posting here, which I hope is easier to read.

Match the component to the correct action

*MOLECULES*

Secretory IgA   

B12 binding protein     

Bifidus factor           

Fatty acids             

Fibronectin

Gamma-interferon                
                                    
Hormones & growth factors

Lactoferrin
                    
Lysozyme

Mucins                                  

Oligosaccharides

*Action*            

e) Kills bacteria by disrupting their cell walls.

f) Increases antimicrobial activity of microphages:helps to repair tissues 
that have been damaged by immune reactions in the baby’s gut.

g) Bind to microorganisms and bar them from attaching to mucosal surfaces.

h) Bind to microbes in baby’s digestive tract and thereby prevent them from 
passing through walls of the gut.

i) Reduces amount of vitamin B12, which bacteria need for growth.

j) Stimulate  baby’s digestive tract to mature more quickly. Once the 
initially “leaky” membranes lining the gut mature, they become less 
vulnerable to microorganisms.

k) Disrupts membranes surrounding certain viruses and destroys them.

l) Promotes growth of Lactobacillus bifidus , a harmless bacterium, in baby’s 
gut.  Growth of such nonpathogenic bacteria helps to crowd out dangerous 
varieties.

m) Enhances antimicrobial activity of immune cells.

n) Binds to iron, a mineral many bacteria need to survive. By reducing the 
available iron, this molecule thwarts growth of pathogenic bacteria.

o) Adheres to bacteria and viruses, thus preventing their adhesion to mucosal 
surfaces.

From J Newman “How Breast Milk Protects Newborns”, Scientific American Dec 
1995. Adapted  by  Deborah Tobin RN IBCLC  

Deborah Tobin 
RN BSN IBCLC LCCE
Springfield, Virginia USA 
In the suburbs outside the Washington DC beltway 
mailto:[log in to unmask]

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