The Effect of the Natural Milk Component, Lactoferrin, in Protecting Neonate Mice from Congenital Toxoplasmosis: An Experimental Study

Background Lactoferrin (LF) is a natural cheap and easily prepared milk component with multifunctional iron glycoprotein fraction. It is well known to exert a broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against many bacteria, virus, yeasts and protozoa Aim of the workTo evaluate the efficacies of LF alone or in combination with irradiated Toxoplasma vaccine for their ability to elicit protection in Swiss pregnant mice and their pups against challenge infection with Toxoplasma gondii. Material and methods Pregnant mice were preimmunized before matting either by LF alone, irradiated Toxoplasma vaccine alone or combination of both preparations. Dams were then challenged by virulent T. gonidii between 10 and 14th day of gestation. Results The preliminary findings showed that preimmunization with the natural milk component, LF, before pregnancy was immunogenic and protective against T. gondi for both pregnant mice and their offspring as well. Moreover, the use of irradiated vaccine in combination with LF has proved to be more protective but with no significant differences. Conclusion and Recommendation Since LF is effective, safe, natural and easily prepared from cows milk, supplementation as a food therefore could be used as a prophylactic dietary supplement without side effects specially for women during pregnancy.