Biology subjects

Williams, J. E.

Publications and source records attributed to Williams, J. E..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

Associations between SARS-CoV-2 Infection or COVID-19 Vaccination and Human Milk Composition: A Multi-Omics Approach

The risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 via human milk-feeding is virtually non-existent. Adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccination for lactating individuals are not different from the general population, and no evidence has been found that their infants exhibit adverse effects. Yet, there remains substantial hesitation among this population globally regarding the safety of these vaccines. Herein we aimed to determine if compositional changes in milk occur following infection or vaccination, including any evidence of vaccine components. Using an extensive multi-omics approach, we found that compared to unvaccinated individuals SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with significant compositional differences in 67 proteins, 385 lipids, and 13 metabolites. In contrast, COVID-19 vaccination was not associated with any changes in lipids or metabolites, although it was associated with changes in 13 or fewer proteins. Compositional changes in milk differed by vaccine. Changes following vaccination were greatest after 1-6 hours for the mRNA-based Moderna vaccine (8 changed proteins), 3 days for the mRNA-based Pfizer (4 changed proteins), and adenovirus-based Johnson and Johnson (13 changed proteins) vaccines. Proteins that changed after both natural infection and Johnson and Johnson vaccine were associated mainly with systemic inflammatory responses. In addition, no vaccine components were detected in any milk sample. Together, our data provide evidence of only minimal changes in milk composition due to COVID-19 vaccination, with much greater changes after natural SARS-CoV-2 infection. IMPORTANCEThe impact of the observed changes in global milk composition on infant health remain unknown. These findings emphasize the importance of vaccinating the lactating population against COVID-19, as compositional changes in milk were found to be far less evident after vaccination compared to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Importantly, vaccine components were not detected in milk after vaccination.

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2019

Estimating the rate and determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practices among rural mothers in Southern Ghana.

BackgroundThe health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding practices in both short and long term go beyond the breastfed infant. The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding practices accrue to mothers, families and the society at large. Despite the evidence of these benefits and adoption of various WHO strategies on promotion of exclusive breastfeeding by Ghana, the increase in the rate of exclusive breastfeeding has been very slow in the country. This study aimed to estimate the rate and investigate socioeconomic and demographic determinants of exclusive breastfeeding in two rural districts in Southern Ghana. MethodsPregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, demographic and socioeconomic information of 1,870 women prospectively registered by the Dodowa Health and Demographic Surveillance System and gave birth between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2013 was extracted. The rate of exclusive breastfeeding among the study participants was estimated and the relationship between the dependent and the independent variables were explored using logistics regression model at 95% confidence level. All data analyses were done in STATA version 14.2. ResultsThe overall exclusive breastfeeding rate in the study is 70.96 %. Mothers aged 25-29 and 30+ years are 93 and 91 % respectively more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding compared to those aged <20 years (OR:1.93, 95%CI: 1.25-2.99, OR: 1.91, 95%CI: 1.91-3.08). The odds of artisans practicing exclusive breast feeding is 64% less likely compared to those unemployed (OR: 0.64, 95%CI:0.43-0.96). There is a high chance that 45% of mothers with a household size of more than five members to practice exclusive breastfeeding compared to those with household size of less than six (OR:1.45, 95%CI:1.16-1.81). There is reduced odds of 15% for women in fishing districts compared to those from farming districts (OR:0.15, 95%CI: 0.12 -0.20). ConclusionThere is high rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the study area. Maternal age, type of occupation, household size and district of residence are determinants of exclusive breastfeeding among the study participants.

epidemiology↗