Persistence and Efficacy of Maternal COVID-19 Vaccine-Induced Antibodies in Human Milk: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis: Analyzing the Durability and Impact of COVID-19 Vaccine Antibodies in Breast Milk

Neha  Fatima; Syeda Nawal  Fatima; Nisha  Noor; Marium  Khan; Khadija Yahya; Mustafa  Rizwan; Mamoona Shuja; Muhammad Nasir Shahbaz

doi:10.69750/dmls.01.02.022

Authors

Neha Fatima Pharmacy Department, Lahore Medical & Dental College (LMDC), Lahore, Pakistan. Author
Syeda Nawal Fatima BDS, Lahore Medical & Dental College (LMDC), Lahore, Pakistan. Author
Nisha noor Pharmacy Department, Lahore Medical & Dental College (LMDC), Lahore, Pakistan Author
Marium Khan BDS, Lahore Medical & Dental College (LMDC), Lahore, Pakistan. Author
Khadija Yahya BDS, Lahore Medical & Dental College (LMDC), Lahore, Pakistan. Author
Mustafa Rizwan Pharmacy Department, Lahore Medical & Dental College (LMDC), Lahore, Pakistan. Author
Mamoona Shuja MBBS, Al Aleem Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan Author
Muhammad Nasir Shahbaz Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), CRIMM, The University of Lahore, Lahore Pakistan Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69750/dmls.01.02.022

Keywords:

COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; antibodies; human milk; maternal vaccination; passive immunity; breastfeeding; IgA; IgG; meta-analysis.

Abstract

Abstract

Background: The ongoing global health challenge posed by the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a thorough examination of vaccine efficacy, particularly the transfer of vaccine-induced immunity to infants via human milk. This meta-analysis aims to explore the persistence and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccine-induced antibodies in human milk, offering insights into passive immunity transfer to breastfeeding infants.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of peer-reviewed studies published from January 2021 to December 2023, extracted from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Our focus was on studies measuring SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies (IgA and IgG) in human milk following maternal COVID-19 vaccination.

Results: Fifteen studies involving 1,200 lactating mothers who received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines were included. The analysis highlighted a consistent presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgA and IgG antibodies in human milk, persisting for up to six months post-vaccination.

Conclusion: The results highlight the noteworthy transmission of COVID-19 antibodies via human milk, suggesting an extended duration of possible protection for neonates against SARS-CoV-2 infection. This argues in favor of immunizing nursing mothers as a preemptive public health strategy to provide their children passive immunity.

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