Antibiotic-resistant bacteria in donor human milk: KGMU docs raise concern
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The study, carried out at KGMU's donor human milk bank, was published in the International Journal of Medical Microbiology in Jan.
It was discussed during World Breastfeeding Week, celebrated from Aug 1 to 7.
Researchers said that the milk collected at KGMU is properly treated before being given to infants, but the study shows that all milk banks across the country must follow similar safety practices.
The study, titled, 'Microbial Profiling, Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance, and Molecular Detection of MecA Gene in Staphylococcal Strains from Donor Human Milk: Insights from a Milk Bank Investigation,' was led by Prof Sheetal Verma from the microbiology department.
Her team tested 151 samples of donated human milk. Out of these, 58 samples had no germs at all, which is good news. However, 93 samples (61%) did contain bacteria.
Among these, 54 had Gram-positive bacteria, and 39 had Gram-negative bacteria.
The most common type of bacteria found was Staphylococcus, seen in 49 samples. Other bacteria included Acinetobacter (20 samples), Pseudomonas (9), Enterococcus (5), and Klebsiella.
Prof Verma said that while pasteurisation (a process of heating milk to kill germs) removes many harmful bacteria, some that are resistant to antibiotics may survive.
This means strict hygiene and regular testing are very important.
She also pointed out that if donor mothers take antibiotics frequently, it can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria being present in their milk.
Dr Astha Yadav, a co-researcher, added that since donor milk is often used for premature and very sick babies, it must be checked thoroughly before use.
The research team also included Prof Vimala Venkatesh, Prof Amita Jain, Prof Mala Kumar, Dr Saurabh Kashyap, and Dr Shalini Tripathi.
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