The rotavirus has been identified as the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in young children. This study compared the levels of rotavirus-specific antibodies in breast milk and serum samples in Swedish and Bangladeshi mothers to identify any seasonal variations.
Breast milk and serum samples were collected from 69 Swedish and 52 Bangladeshi mothers during all months of the year. Sera were analysed for Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) titres and breast milk for secretory IgA (SIgA) antibody levels against rotavirus.
Significantly, higher SIgA antibody levels against rotavirus were found in breast milk from Bangladeshi than Swedish mothers (p