Lactoferrin (LF) is iron-binding glycoprotein of the transferrin family that is expressed and secreted by glandular cells and is found in most body fluids . It appears at especially high concentrations in mammalian milk and was first identified in bovine milk , and was subsequently isolated from human milk.~LFs bacteriostatic function is due to its ability to take up the Fe3+ ion, limiting use of this nutrient by bacteria at the infection site and inhibiting the growth of these microorganisms as well as the expression of their virulence factors .
Pneumonia is defind as the inflammation of lung tissue caused by an infectious agent that results in acute respiratory signs and symptoms. Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major cause of morbidity and increased health care costs. In developing nations, pneumonia remains a significant cause of mortality in children.~Pneumonia occurs in 30 to 45 of every 1,000 children under 5 years of age; it is less common in 5- to 9-year olds (16 to 22/1,000) and in older children (7 to 16/1,000).~Streptococcus pneumoniae is the primary bacterial cause of pneumonia in infants and children. Viral etiologies become less prevalent and mycoplasmal and chlamydial infections become more prevalent with increasing age