Specific Antibodies in Colostrum of North Indian Mothers with Special Reference to Their Nutritional Status

The anti-S. typhi antibody is predominantly IgA class, and the anti-polio-antibody, antimeasles antibody, anti-E. Coli enterotoxin antibody and anti-S. typhi agglutinins were found adequate in the colostrum samples of well- and under-nourished mothers. No antibody against tetanus toxin was detectable in colostrum samples from mothers of both the groups, although they have been immunized against tetanus toxoid during pregnancy, suggesting thereby that the presence of specific antibody in the mother's breast secretions is associated with the enteromammary axis, leading to the homing of B-lymphocytes which have been specifically sensitized in the gut.