Positive Lactoferrin in Stool: Causes and What to Do Next

A positive lactoferrin in stool test result can raise concerns, especially if you are dealing with digestive symptoms like diarrhea, stomach pain, or bowel discomfort. Lactoferrin is a protein released by white blood cells during inflammation. When it is found in stool, it may indicate inflammation in the intestines, which can help doctors identify digestive conditions and infections.

In this blog, we’ll explain what causes positive lactoferrin in stool, what the test means, and what steps to take next.

What Is Lactoferrin in Stool?

Lactoferrin is a natural protein found in the body’s immune cells, especially in white blood cells (neutrophils). Its main role is to help fight infection and control inflammation.

When the digestive tract becomes inflamed, white blood cells move into the intestines and release lactoferrin, which can then appear in stool. This is why doctors use a fecal lactoferrin test to detect intestinal inflammation.

A positive lactoferrin stool test generally means there is some level of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

What Causes Positive Lactoferrin in Stool?

Several medical conditions can cause elevated or positive lactoferrin in stool.

1. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

One of the most common causes is IBD, including:

• Crohn’s disease

• Ulcerative colitis

These conditions cause chronic inflammation in the intestines, which often leads to higher lactoferrin levels.

2. Bacterial Infections

Certain bacterial infections can inflame the intestines and trigger a positive result, such as:

• Salmonella

• Campylobacter

• Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)

• Shigella

In these cases, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps may also occur.

3. Intestinal Inflammation

General inflammation caused by injury, irritation, or immune response can also lead to elevated stool lactoferrin levels.

4. Gastrointestinal Infections

Viral or parasitic infections may sometimes contribute to inflammation and positive lactoferrin findings.

5. Colitis

Different types of colitis, including infectious colitis and inflammatory colitis, may increase lactoferrin in stool.

Symptoms That May Occur With Positive Lactoferrin in Stool

A positive result often appears along with digestive symptoms such as:

• Persistent diarrhea

• Abdominal pain or cramping

• Blood in stool

• Fever

• Bloating

• Urgency to use the bathroom

• Weight loss

• Fatigue

Symptoms depend on the underlying cause.

What Does a Positive Lactoferrin Stool Test Mean?

A positive lactoferrin stool test does not diagnose a specific disease by itself. Instead, it tells doctors that inflammation is present in the intestines.

This helps distinguish between:

• Inflammatory conditions (like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)

• Non-inflammatory digestive disorders (like IBS)

For example:

• Positive lactoferrin → inflammation likely present

• Negative lactoferrin → inflammation less likely

Doctors usually combine this test with other evaluations to determine the exact cause.

What to Do Next After a Positive Lactoferrin Result

If your stool test shows positive lactoferrin, here are the common next steps:

Consult a Doctor

A healthcare provider will review your symptoms and medical history to determine the possible cause.

Additional Testing

Doctors may recommend:

• Stool culture

• Blood tests

• Colonoscopy

• Fecal calprotectin test

• Imaging scans

These tests help identify infection, IBD, or other intestinal issues.

Monitor Symptoms

Pay attention to symptoms such as:

• Severe diarrhea

• Bloody stool

• Fever

• Weight loss

• Persistent abdominal pain

These may require immediate medical attention.

Follow Treatment Based on Diagnosis

Treatment depends on the cause and may include:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infection

• Anti-inflammatory medicines for IBD

• Dietary adjustments

• Hydration and supportive care

Can Lactoferrin in Stool Be Temporary?

Yes, in some cases, a positive result may be temporary, especially if it is caused by:

• A short-term infection

• Temporary inflammation

• Recent gastrointestinal illness

However, persistent positive lactoferrin may need further medical evaluation.

Lactoferrin in Stool vs IBS

Many people wonder about the difference between positive lactoferrin in stool and IBS.

• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) usually does not cause inflammation, so lactoferrin is typically normal.

• IBD or infection often causes inflammation, leading to elevated lactoferrin levels.

This is why the lactoferrin stool test is helpful for doctors.

Final Thoughts

A positive lactoferrin in stool result suggests that inflammation may be present in the digestive tract. While this can be caused by infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or colitis, the test alone does not confirm a diagnosis.

The best next step is to consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have ongoing digestive symptoms. Early testing and proper diagnosis can help identify the cause and guide treatment.

Understanding your stool test results is the first step toward better digestive health.