COMPARISON OF FREQUENCY OF LATE ONSET SEPSIS IN BREAST FED AND BOTTLE FED FULL TERM INFANTS

Abstract

Introduction: Late-onset sepsis (LOS) remains a significant cause of morbidity in full term infants. While breast milk contains bioactive components with immunoprotective properties, limited data exists comparing LOS rates between breast-fed and formula-fed full term infants. This study aimed to assess the frequency of LOS between these feeding groups and identify potential protective effects of breast milk.

Methodology: This prospective cohort study enrolled 200 full term infants (≥37 weeks gestation) with birth weight ≥2500 grams, equally divided between breast-fed (n=100) and formula-fed (n=100) groups. Infants with major congenital anomalies, evidence of early-onset sepsis, or maternal chorioamnionitis were excluded. Feeding patterns were documented during the first 30 days of life. Stratified analyses were performed for gestational age, birth weight, gender, delivery mode, antibiotic exposure, and socioeconomic status.

Results: Overall LOS incidence was 8.0%, with 4.0% in breast-fed versus 12.0% in formula-fed infants (p=0.065). Significant protective effects of breastfeeding were observed in specific subgroups: female infants (0% vs 15.6%, p=0.006), infants ≤39 weeks gestation (0% vs 20.3%, p=0.001), vaginally delivered infants (0% vs 12.3%, p=0.006), and those from low socioeconomic status (0% vs 28.6%, p=0.021).

Conclusion: Breast-fed full term infants demonstrated lower LOS incidence compared to formula-fed counterparts. These findings support the importance of breastfeeding promotion to reduce infection-related morbidity in full term infants, especially in vulnerable populations.