Isolation of enterococci and streptococci species from human breast milk

ABSTRACT

Bacterial colonization of the infant gut is a gradual process that exerts a strong influence on the health status of the host. The source of bacterial diversity in breast fed babies remains unclear. For many decades, breast milk has been regarded as a sterile body fluid which exerts its influence on the infant's microbiota environment via presenting only some growth factors and optimal conditions for helping the growth of bacteria. However, in recent years, breast milk has been hypothesized to be a source of commensal bacteria for the infant gut. This study aimed at searching for bacteria in breast milk to assess the role of breast milk as their probable source. Samples of breast milk were obtained from 50 lactating women and were tested for the presence of different bacteria, using specific media and specific biochemical reactions. Culture of the 50 breast milk specimens showed growth of different species of enterococci and streptococci in 60% and 84% of the specimens; respectively. Breast milk can be a source of enterococci and streptococci for the infants