Enterovirus E (EV-E), a representative of the Picornaviridae family, endemically affects cattle across the world, typically causing
subclinical infections. However, under favorable conditions, severe or fatal disorders of the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems may develop. There is no specific treatment for
enterovirus infections in humans or animals, and only symptomatic treatment is available. The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro
antiviral effect of bovine
lactoferrin (bLF) against enterovirus E using virucidal, cytopathic effect inhibition, and viral yield reduction assays in MDBK cells. The influence of
lactoferrin on the intracellular
viral RNA level was also determined. Surprisingly,
lactoferrin did not have a protective effect on cells, although it inhibited the replication of the virus during the adsorption and post-adsorption stages (viral titres reduced by 1-1.1 log). Additionally, a decrease in the
viral RNA level in cells (by up to 75%) was observed. More detailed studies are needed to determine the mechanism of bovine
lactoferrin effect on enterovirus E. However, this highly biocompatible
protein ensures some degree of protection against
infection by bovine enterovirus, which is particularly important for young animals that receive this
protein in their mother's milk.