Tuberculosis IFN-γ Responses in Breastmilk of HIV-infected Mothers

摘要

Tuberculosis (TB) cellular immune responses were examined in breastmilk of HIV-infected mothers using the T-SPOT.TB interferon gamma release assay (IGRA). Positive TB IFN-γ responses were detected in 6 of 8 (75%) valid breast milk assays. Among 7 mothers with paired breastmilk and blood assays, TB IFN-γ responses were higher in breastmilk compared to blood (p=.02). The magnitude of TB IFN-γ responses in maternal breastmilk and blood were correlated. Elucidating the influence of breastmilk TB immune responses on infant TB susceptibility and immunity may inform future maternal TB vaccine strategies.