The in vitro antistaphylococcal activity of lactoferrin and the antibiotic resistance of clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates obtained from three different sites of infection were examined. Antibiotic, but not lactoferrin resistance correlated with selective antibiotic pressure, and nosocomial and most community isolates were antibiotic resistant, whereas only a third of each group was resistant to lactoferrin. The antimicrobial activity of lactoferrin, both in defined medium and in normal human plasma serum, was dependent upon its ferrochelating properties. Therapeutic approaches based on the use of ferrochelating agents such as lactoferrin combined with antimicrobial drugs may help to counteract the reduced efficacy of current antibiotics.

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) are sites where animals are housed and raised in a confined environment. CAFOs assemble animals that are fed and cared for by professional care givers referred to as “Cowboys” on a limited space in a rustic landscape. The operation is monitored and meets the standards set forth by The United states Environmental Protection Agency (http://www.epa.gov/region7/water/cafo/). In southwestern Texas, cattle are imported from Mexico, and subjected to the health inspection by The United States ‐ Mexico border USDA‐APHIS‐VS stations. Cattle undergo rigorous inspections for Tuberculosis, tick‐borne infections, and respiratory illness, along with prior health records followed by consignment to CAFOs (Feed Lots). While in Feed lots, the health and well being of the cattle is monitored by the house staff and also by USDA veterinarian. The amount of “Antibiotics” supplemented in the cattle feed is regulated by the EPA standards and followed through by in house nutritionist. MICRO BEEF TECHNOLOGIES, Ltd (http://www.microbeef.com/about_micro/index.html ) provides an excellent tracking system to maintain comprehensive details on individual animals regarding their health and nutrition. Taken together with an exceptional monitoring programs by The US‐EPA, USDA‐APHIS‐VS, and strict industry standards upheld by The Texas Cattle Feeders Association, the CAFOs pose minimal risk of rendering AR pathogen affected infectious diseases. (Acknowledgement: Dr. Darrell Haney, USDA‐APHIS‐VS, (830) 752‐1785, Eagle Pass, Texas; Mr. Luis De La Cruz, Runnells‐Peters Feed Yard LLC, 1444 Fm 1665, Quemado, TX 78877‐7790; Information Resources from Texas Cattle Feeders Association, http://www.tcfa.org/SiteMap.html). Grant Funding Source: Professional Development Funds ‐ SWTJC, Eagle Pass, Texas 78852