Chlamydia is a common bacterial infection, classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It frequently presents without noticeable symptoms, meaning many infected individuals may be unaware they have it. Concerns often arise regarding the potential for a mother to pass this infection to her infant, particularly given the close contact involved in newborn care.
Chlamydia Transmission and Breast Milk
Chlamydia is not transmitted through breast milk. The bacteria do not reside in breast milk, so a mother diagnosed with chlamydia can safely breastfeed her infant. Evidence suggests breast milk contains antibodies against Chlamydia, potentially offering some protection to the infant.
How Chlamydia Affects Infants
While chlamydia is not transmitted through breast milk, it can be passed from a mother to her baby during vaginal delivery. This occurs when the infant is exposed to infected genital secretions as they pass through the birth canal. Approximately 25% to 50% of infants born vaginally to mothers with untreated chlamydia may contract the infection. Even some babies born via C-section can contract the infection.
When transmitted during birth, chlamydia can lead to two primary health issues in newborns: conjunctivitis and pneumonia. Chlamydial conjunctivitis, also known as ophthalmia neonatorum, typically appears 5 to 14 days after birth, though it can occur earlier. Symptoms include swollen eyelids and a watery discharge from the eyes that may become pus-like. If left untreated, this eye infection can lead to serious complications such as scarring of the cornea or conjunctiva, and potentially vision problems or blindness.
Chlamydia can also cause pneumonia in infants, usually appearing between 1 to 3 months of age. This condition often presents with a persistent cough, rapid breathing, and sometimes a low-grade fever. While infants with chlamydial pneumonia are typically not critically ill, untreated cases can increase the risk of developing chronic pulmonary disease, including asthma.
Maternal Screening and Infant Protection
Preventing chlamydia transmission to infants primarily relies on routine maternal screening and timely treatment during pregnancy. Healthcare providers recommend screening all pregnant women for chlamydia at their first prenatal visit. For women under 25 or those at increased risk, a retest in the third trimester is also advised. Early detection allows for effective treatment of the mother, typically with a single dose of azithromycin or a course of amoxicillin or erythromycin, which are considered safe during pregnancy.
In addition to maternal treatment, standard prophylactic measures are taken for newborns to protect against eye infections. Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is commonly applied to a newborn’s eyes shortly after birth. While effective against gonococcal conjunctivitis, its efficacy against chlamydial conjunctivitis is less pronounced, though it may offer some preventative action. If an infant develops chlamydial conjunctivitis or pneumonia, systemic antibiotic treatment, usually oral erythromycin, is prescribed.