New method for the determination of anti-lactoferrin activity of microorganisms

A new method for the determination of the antilactoferrin activity (ALfA) of microorganisms, based on the detection of lactoferrin by the enzyme immunoassay, is proposed. The new method widens the spectrum of microorganisms to be tested, makes it possible to detect lactoferrin inactivation by bacteria producing antagonistically active substances (muramidases, organic acids, hydrogen peroxide, etc.), increases the reliability of the determination of the ALfA antilactoferrin activity of microorganisms due to the increased accuracy of its quantitative characterization. Testing of the culture fluid for lactoferrin following the growth of microorganisms in a medium with this protein revealed the capacity to inactivate lactoferrin in bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp.) and yeast-like fungi (Candida sp.), isolated from feces and clinical material, of persons with carrier states, dysbiotic disturbances and pyoinflammatory diseases.