The Open Pediatric Medicine Journal

2013, 7 : 40-41
Published online 2013 July 10. DOI: 10.2174/1874309920130621002
Publisher ID: TOPEDJ-7-40

Breastfeeding During Early Infancy is Associated with a Lower Incidence of Febrile Illnesses

Daniel H. Libraty , Rosario Z. Capeding , AnaMae Obcena , Job D. Brion and Veronica Tallo
Rm S6-862, Division of ID, UMMS, 55 Lake Ave N, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.

ABSTRACT

Human breast milk is known to contain immunoprotective, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory agents. In a prospective clinical study of dengue virus infections during infancy, we examined the correlation between breastfeeding and the development of febrile illnesses in an infant population. We found that breastfeeding status and the frequency of breastfeeding during early infancy was associated with a lower incidence of febrile illnesses.

Keywords:

Breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, infant.