The Relationship Between Breast Milk Secretory IgA Level and The Prevalence of Giardiasis in Breast-Fed Infants

Abstract

G. Iamblia is considered! as one of the most prevalent protozoan parasite that

affect man in the world.

The study populations were lactating mothers attending health care centers

and their infants.

Stool samples were taken from both mothers and their infants and milk samples from lactating mothers after they were subjected to questionnaire.

Stool samples were examined for G. Iamblia and any other parasites to exclude mothers infected with other parasites. Direct smear, Iodine and Trichrome stain were used in stool examination milk samples analyzed to detect total slgA using radial immune diffusion plates.

This study showed tile foil'owing results:

I. Prevalence of giardiasis among breast-fed infants as 14%.

2. Prevalence of giardiasis in infants of Giardia positive mothers was lower than that of infants of Giardia negative mothers (2% versus 12%) and this my be due to higher antibody in breast milk Giardia positive mothers which give pn;tection to their infants. 3. Highest prevalence of giardiasis among infants aged 12-24 mothers. This may be due to increased exposure to infection during weaning.