Literature review for - Flourish Paediatrics

Brucellosis in Breastfeeding Mothers
Search results
The initial search of the databases included 5 references on brucellosis in breastfeeding
mothers. Data were extracted from three case series but the evidence was insufficient to
develop a body of evidence statement. The information gathered from the three reviews have
been summarised below.
Notes on brucellosis and breastfeeding
The three case series reviewed reported on a total of five case reports of brucellosis in
breastfed infants and each included a brief review of the literature. The three case-series all
concluded that breastmilk is a probable source of transmission of brucellosis despite two of
the case-series not being able to isolate Brucella from the breastmilk (Palanduz, Palanduz et
al. 2000; Arroyo Carrera, Lopez Rodriguez et al. 2006). The case report conducted by Tikare
et al. successfully isolated B. melitensis from the breast milk. Tikare and colleagues
attributes the collection of milk prior to the administration of antibiotics as the reason for
efficiently identifying Brucella in the milk culture (Tikare, Mantur et al. 2008).
Tikare and colleagues recommends mothers with brucellosis abstain from breastfeeding until
the infection has been eliminated. Infants of infected mothers should be closely observed for
evidence of brucellosis infection (Tikare, Mantur et al. 2008).
Brucellosis in Australia
There were 31 cases recorded in the Australian National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance
System. In the unlikely event that a woman with brucellosis is diagnosed in Australia,
breastfeeding should be suspended until treatment is complete.
http://www9.health.gov.au/cda/Source/Rpt_3.cfm (accessed 10 Oct 2010)
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