The role of human breast milk mucus and mucins in HIV-AIDS

Mthembu, Yolanda

The role of human breast milk mucus and mucins in HIV-AIDS

Master Thesis

2012

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Surgery

Faculty

Faculty of Health Sciences

Abstract

Milk molecules such as mucins, antibodies, bactericidal enzymes like lysozymes and fatty acids that lyse bacteria, viral particles and bacterial peptides, offer anti-microbial activity in milk. Despite human breast milk being rich in anti-microbial substances, such as mucin, that protect against pathogens and viruses, it remains a significant route of HIV transmission from mother to child. ... The objectives of the study were to isolate, purify, identify and investigate the anti-HIV-1 activity of crude breast milk particularly the human milk fat globule material (MFGM) and its purified mucin components, in HIV positive patients (n = 20) compared with those who are not infected (n = 20). This study also tested the effect that heat (80°C, 10 min) might have on breast milk which might release the milk mucins and consequently have an inhibitory effect on HIV-1.

Description

Includes abstract.

Includes bibliographical references.

Keywords

Medical Science

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