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The Human Milk Microbiome: A Paradigm Shift for Infant Health

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Shelley McGuire, Ph.d.

Michelle "Shelley" McGuire, Ph.D.

Director and Professor
Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
University of Idaho

Member, National Academy of Medicine
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Maury Strauss Distinguished Public Lecture: The Human Milk Microbiome: A Paradigm Shift for Infant Health

Date: Feb. 15, 2024

Time: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.  (Reception and hors d'oeuvres at 5 p.m.)

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About this Seminar

Milk has historically been considered to be sterile unless it was contaminated or produced by an infected mammary gland. However, recent evidence suggests that milk produced by healthy women contains its own rich and unique microbiome - including bacteria, viruses, archaea, and fungi - which varies greatly within and among populations. Very little is known about if and how these microbes are related to maternal and infant health, but understanding the details of the complex maternal-infant-environment ecosystem will likely provide insight into lifelong health and risk for disease.

Additional Details

This is a free event hosted by Dr. Michael Friedlander and the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute. For more information, please call 540-526-2059.

About Maury Strauss

Maury Strauss is a longtime community benefactor and businessman who supports biomedical research with the goal of energizing the local economy and improving quality of life in our neighborhoods and around the world. In order to ensure the continued success of Roanoke’s biomedical research enterprise, as well as the free public seminars, Mr. Strauss has made a generous gift to the series. Read More.

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