Tuberculin and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

There is no reason to withhold breastfeeding after tuberculosis skin testing or to avoid skin testing in nursing mothers.

Drug levels in milk and infant serum

Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date. Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in breastfed infants

There is some evidence that breastfed infants can acquire immune responsiveness to tuberculin via breastmilk.[1-3] However, other investigators have found no evidence of breastmilk transfer of immunity.[4]

Effects on lactation and breastmilk

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

References

1. Martínez-Cairo Cueto, S, Alasio-Chavez C, Davila Velasquez, JR. In vitro transfer of immunity against PPD with dialyzable extract of leukocytes from human colostrum. Rev Alerg 1992;39:126-32.1492196 PubMed
2. Schlesinger JJ, Covelli HD. Evidence for transmission of lymphocyte responses to tuberculin by breast-feeding. Lancet 1977;310:529-32.95733
3. Masters PL. Maternal transmission of skin sensitivity to tuberculin. Lancet 1982;2:276-7.6124704 PubMed
4. Keller MA, Rodgriguez AL, Alvarez S, et al. Transfer of tuberculin immunity from mother to infant. Pediatr Res 1987;22:277-81.3658548 PubMed