Abstract
Simple SummaryThe occurrence of bacteremia associated with cases of severe mastitis in dairy cows is an under-researched topic and of great practical importance for the development of evidence-based strategies in mastitis therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of bacteremia in lactating dairy cows with severe mastitis cases. For this purpose, we worked on the detection of culturable pathogens in the blood to obtain information on whether systemic antibiotic therapy is necessary in cases of severe mastitis. Detection of culturable pathogens in the blood of cows with severe clinical mastitis was apparently rare (1.4%). Further studies are necessary to estimate the occurrence of bacteremia in severe bovine mastitis.The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of bacteremia in dairy cows with severe mastitis. Milk samples were collected from affected udder quarters, and corresponding blood samples were collected from dairy cows with severe mastitis at the time of diagnosis before any therapeutic measures were undertaken. The cultural detection of pathogens in blood classified a bacteremia. Further diagnostic tests were performed to provide evidence of bacteremia. This was realized by PCR with regard to S. aureus, E. coli and S. uberis and the Limulus test. Detection of culturable pathogens in the blood of cows with severe clinical mastitis was rare and occurred in only one of 70 (1.4%) cases. Overall, bacterial growth was detected in 53 of 70 (75.7%) milk samples. S. uberis (22/70), E. coli (12/70) and S. aureus (4/70) were the most frequently isolated pathogens from milk of cows with severe mastitis. PCR was performed in 38 of 70 (54.3%) blood samples. PCR was positive in eight of 38 cases. S. uberis was found most frequently in six blood samples (8.6%). E. coli was found on PCR in one blood sample (1.4%). S. aureus was identified in one blood sample (1.4%). When Coliforms were detected in the quarter milk sample, a Limulus test was performed in the corresponding blood sample. In three of 15 cases, the Limulus test was positive (4.3% of samples). Further studies are needed to investigate the occurrence of bacteremia in cows with severe mastitis in a higher population size.
Highlights
A total of 70 severe clinical cases of mastitis were enrolled in the study
Quarter milk samples and corresponding blood samples were examined by microbiological culture
In one of 70 cases, we found culturable bacteria in the blood and in ten of 70 severe cases, pathogen components were found in the blood that may indicate bacteremia
Summary
Mastitis is the most frequent disease in dairy cows and is recognized as having a negative impact on animal welfare and dairy farm profitability. Animal-friendly, economical, resource-saving milk production provides the basis for sustained consumer acceptance [1]. Antibiotic therapy is essential to balance the bovine udder health, animal welfare and economic aspects [2]. Every case of mastitis is expensive as this means a loss of milk, increased time expenditure, a shortened life span of the animals, high treatment costs, frequent use of antibiotics, and potentially, the loss of the affected udder quarter or even loss of animals [3,4,5]. Among all reasons for culling, mastitis is mentioned in five to 17% of cases [6]
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