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Subject:
From:
Alicia Dermer <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sat, 6 May 1995 17:54:26 -0400
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Dear Melissa:  I've lent out my copy of Lawrence, but am reasonably sure that
hepatitis A is not a problem with breastfeeding, presumably because mother's
own antibodies are passed along with the virus.  As for Immune globulin,
that's simply IgG antibodies to hep A.  Maternal IgG antibodies to various
diseases normally pass through to babies, giving what is known as "passive
immunity", which decreases the severity or even prevents disease in the baby.
Immune serum globulins are given to provide people of all ages exposed to
diseases a similar kind of passive immunity.  Most immunoglobulins in human
milk are secretory IgA, which acts locally at the gut's mucous membrane.  I'm
not sure if the serum immune globulins from the shot are secreted into human
milk, although some IgG transmission has been documented.  If they were, they
would either be destroyed in the baby's gut or get into its bloodstream,
where they would simply provide the same function for the baby.  I'll check
for references to be certain, but there seems to be no reason for concern.
As for how the restaurant knows which foods are contaminated, generally it's
raw shellfish, but contamination of any food by an infected employee who did
not use proper hygiene (i.e. did not wash their hands after going "potty")
is another possibility.  I'm sure the local health department is
investigating the source.  If she ate contaminated food, it might be
advisable for her to get the shot.  Although hep A causes no long-term liver
damage (unlike B and C), it can be devastating while one has it, and that
could interfere with her nursing.  Alicia.     [log in to unmask]

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