LEWIS BLOOD-GROUPS OF BREAST-FEEDING WOMEN TESTED SEROLOGICALLY AND BY CHROMATOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF HUMAN-MILK OLIGOSACCHARIDES

Oligosaccharides representing Lewis antigens from human milk samples o f 29 breastfeeding women were analysed using a recently established hi gh pH anion-exchange chromatographic (HPAEC) method. Lewis blood group s of the women were also determined by serologic analysis of Lea and L eb antigens on erythrocytes. Chromatographic and serologic analyses of Lewis blood groups revealed contradictory results in 12 cases. The re sults obtained by HPAEC were confirmed by serologic reanalyses at 18-2 4 months after birth. This means that shortly after birth Lewis antige ns in the form of milk oligosaccharides are more easily detectable tha n Lewis antigens on erythrocytes. Thus, HPAEC analysis of free milk ol igosaccharides could be an alternative method for Lewis blood group ty ping during the first weeks p.p.