Abstract

RAMOS-CLAMONT, Gabriela et al. Antibacterial Activity of Bovine and Porcine Lactoferrins Against Escherichia coli K88+. Rev. cient. (Maracaibo) [online]. 2010, vol.20, n.5, pp.473-479. ISSN 0798-2259.

The antibacterial effect of bovine lactoferrin (Lf) towards Escherichia coli K88+ (E. coli K88+) was compared with that of porcine Lf. E. coli K88+ is one of the main etiological agents of piglet diarrhea in the northern hemisphere. Lactoferrins (Lfs) were purified by ion exchange chromatography and further analyzed by electrophoresis using 8% sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel (SDS-PAGE) and immuno detection with anti-lactoferrin antibodies. Bacteriostatic effect was assayed using 0.5 and 1.0 mg/mL of Holo-Lf (iron saturated) or Apo-Lf (iron free). In all test the holo-LFs showed negligible bacteriostatic activity while for Apo-Lfs the bovine protein had the highest activity. Bactericide activity was assayed using bovine or porcine Lf concentrations of 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 y 8.0 mg/mL. Bovine Lf had bactericide activity at 8.0 mg/mL while no growth inhibition was observed with porcine Lf. These results suggest that bovine Lf may serve in the prophylaxis of piglets’ diarrhea.

Keywords : Bovine and porcine lactoferrin; antimicrobial activity; Escherichia coli K88+.