The prospects of modifying the antimicrobial properties of milk

Milk contains a variety of substances, which inhibit the infection of patho gens. This is of benefit to the mother, safeguarding the integrity of the l actating mammary gland, but also of huge importance for protection of the s uckling offspring. The antimicrobial substances in milk can be classified i nto two categories. First, nonspecific, broad-spectrum defense substances, which have evolved over long periods of time, and secondly, substances like antibodies, which are specifically directed against particular pathogens a nd have developed during the mother's lifetime. Substances in both categori es may be targets for biological intervention and manipulation with the goa l of improving the antimicrobial properties of milk. These alterations of m ilk composition have applications in human as well as in animal health. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.