Lactoferrin Levels are Elevated in Inflammatory Genital Infections

Lactoferrin is a marker for polymorphonuclear leukocytes in inflammation or infection. This study was undertaken to investigate whether lactoferrin levels in cervical and vaginal secretions could differentiate between individuals with and without sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Lactoferrin was quantified by latex agglutination assay in 96 genital specimens from 49 women. Genital secretions from patients with bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted diseases had higher lactoferrin levels (>1:20) than controls (p = 0.01 and p = 0.004, respectively). The vaginal lactoferrin assay was more specific for bacterial vaginosis while the cervical lactoferrin assay was more sensitive for STDs, especially chlamydial infection. Lactoferrin in genital secretions may be useful in screening patients who warrant further evaluation for STD, need empiric therapy, or are at-risk of STD or HIV transmission. [Phil J Microbiol Infect Dis 2002; 31(1):9-11