Which of the following is a contraindication for breastfeeding in the United States?

Active untreated tuberculosis is a contraindication for breastfeeding because the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, can be transmitted to the infant through breast milk if the mother is not correctly treated. Breastfeeding in such cases poses a significant risk to the infant, particularly because tuberculosis can lead to severe illness in young children.

In the United States, guidelines emphasize that mothers with active untreated tuberculosis should be isolated and treated adequately before considering breastfeeding. Once the mother is on effective anti-tuberculosis therapy and has shown signs of improvement, breastfeeding can often be safely resumed, as the treatment reduces the risk of transmission.

Asthma, current use of antibiotics, and parental seasonal allergies do not pose the same level of risk to breastfeeding. Asthma can generally be managed with medications that are safe during lactation, antibiotics are often safe for breastfeeding mothers, and allergies in a parent do not affect the safety of breastfeeding. Overall, understanding these distinctions is crucial for ensuring the health of both the mother and infant.