Lactoferrin in stool is an indicator of intestinal health, acting as a marker for inflammation within the digestive tract. This protein originates from white blood cells, specifically neutrophils, a type of immune cell. When these cells are drawn to an area of inflammation in the intestines, they release lactoferrin, leading to its presence in stool. The detection of lactoferrin in a stool sample serves as a non-invasive way to assess the presence of gut inflammation.
Lactoferrin’s Role in Intestinal Health
Lactoferrin is a protein particularly abundant in neutrophils. These white blood cells are a component of the body’s immune system, acting as a first line of defense against pathogens. When there is inflammation in the intestines, neutrophils migrate to the affected area to combat potential threats or repair damaged tissue.
Lactoferrin becomes detectable in stool samples, reflecting the level of neutrophil activity and the degree of intestinal inflammation.
Interpreting Lactoferrin Stool Test Results
Interpreting lactoferrin stool test results involves understanding what different levels indicate about intestinal inflammation. A normal or negative result, generally below 6.4 micrograms per milliliter (mcg/mL) or 7.25 micrograms per gram (µg/g) of stool, suggests minimal to no significant inflammation in the intestines.
Conversely, an elevated or positive lactoferrin result indicates the presence of inflammation within the digestive tract. The higher the concentration of lactoferrin, the more significant the inflammation is. This test is particularly useful in distinguishing between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which involves inflammation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which typically does not cause intestinal inflammation despite similar symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea. An elevated result points toward an inflammatory condition, prompting further investigation to determine the underlying cause.
Conditions Associated with Elevated Lactoferrin
Elevated lactoferrin levels in stool are commonly associated with several conditions that cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a primary cause. The level of lactoferrin often correlates with the activity and severity of IBD, with higher concentrations observed during flare-ups.
Gastrointestinal infections, particularly those caused by bacteria such as Clostridioides difficile, Salmonella, and Campylobacter, can also lead to increased lactoferrin levels. These infections trigger an acute inflammatory response as the body’s immune system fights off the pathogens. While bacterial infections often cause significant elevations, viral infections might result in only slight increases or no change in lactoferrin levels.
Other conditions may also contribute to elevated lactoferrin. Celiac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten, can cause intestinal inflammation in some individuals, leading to elevated lactoferrin. Diverticulitis, characterized by inflammation of pouches in the colon, also involves intestinal inflammation that can raise lactoferrin levels. Additionally, colorectal cancer, though less frequently the primary reason for a lactoferrin test, can sometimes be associated with elevated levels due to the inflammatory processes that can occur with tumors.
Next Steps After a Lactoferrin Test
Receiving lactoferrin test results, especially elevated ones, is the beginning of a diagnostic process. The next step is to consult with a healthcare provider. A doctor will interpret the results in the context of a person’s symptoms, medical history, and other clinical findings.
An elevated lactoferrin level prompts further diagnostic testing to pinpoint the specific cause of the inflammation. This may include additional stool tests to identify bacterial or parasitic infections, blood tests to check for other inflammatory markers, or more invasive procedures like a colonoscopy or endoscopy to directly visualize the intestinal lining and obtain tissue samples. The treatment approach will then be tailored to the underlying condition that is diagnosed. It is important to remember that the lactoferrin test serves as a screening tool to indicate inflammation and guide further medical evaluation, rather than providing a definitive diagnosis on its own.