Use of at least one transferrin, preferably lactoferrin, for preventing and/or treating destructive inflammation affecting mucous membranes, optionally associated with states of hypoferremia and/or anemia and/or acute and chronic infections. The destructive inflammation is caused, for example, by pathological conditions during pregnancy and by infections sustained by intracellular or adhered or biofilm-protected pathogens. The action of the transferrins described here is achieved by means of their topical and/or oral administration. A combined preparation for simultaneous, sequential or separate use is also described which comprises, as active components, a first composition for topical administration of at least one transferrin and a second composition for oral administration of at least one transferrin.