IgM are "longterm" antibodies.  They are made in the body during an
infection to prevent recurrence of the infection, to prevent the
bacteria or virus from rebounding and winning the war against the immune
system.  Kindof like sending in fresh troops when the battle is mainly
won but small skirmishes are still possible.  In older children and
adults, having IgM antibodies to something is a reliable indicator that
the person was actually infected with, and not just exposed to, that
germ.  I don't know about the research backing up low efficiency of IgM
transfer through breastmilk, but the CDC interpretation has merit on all
other counts.

--
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  New York City  mailto:[log in to unmask]

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