Caprine Mastitis Research Articles

Etiologia e perfil de sensibilidade antimicrobiana dos isolados bacterianos da mastite em pequenos ruminantes e concordância de técnicas empregadas no diagnóstico

A mastite é a inflamação da glândula mamária que acomete raças de aptidão leiteira como também aquelas voltadas para produção de carne. Esta enfermidade ocasiona sérias alterações na produção de leite e na sua qualidade, redução no ganho de peso e mortalidade de cordeiros. O presente estudo teve por objetivo conhecer os principais agentes causadores de mastite em ovinos e caprinos, bem como a sua susceptibilidade aos agentes antimicrobianos, além de avaliar o grau de concordância entre testes diagnósticos. Foram visitadas 25 propriedades durante a realização do experimento, sendo criatórios de caprinos, ovinos e rebanhos mistos, nos estados de Pernambuco e Bahia. Coletou-se leite de 439 caprinos e 76 ovinos. Foi realizada lactocultura, o California Mastitis Test (CMT) e o teste de sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos. Além disso, determinou-se o grau de concordância entre os testes diagnósticos empregados. Foi constatada uma maior freqüência de Staphylococcus spp. nos casos de mastite em caprinos e ovinos, sendo observado ainda, isolados de Streptococcus spp., Corynebacterium spp. e bacilos gram negativos (BGN). Os isolados apresentaram alta sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos testados, sendo o menor percentual de sensibilidade observado para o ácido nalidíxico. Em relação ao diagnóstico da mastite caprina, a análise comparativa entre o exame microbiológico e o CMT demonstrou um grau de concordância igual a K=0,17, enquanto que para a espécie ovina, este valor foi de K=0,22. A utilização do CMT para o diagnóstico da mastite subclínica em cabras e ovelhas deverá ser associado à técnica da lactocultura.

The prevalence of the profile of clinical signs of mastitic goats in North-Western and Central parts of Nigeria

A total of one hundred and three (103) does had mastitis among the one thousand three hundred and twenty three (1323) goats estimated at villages in three states; Zamfara. Kebbi and Kaduna within two years. The prevalence of mastitis among the goats was 7.8%. The clinical manifestations of mastitis in goats and the factors which predisposed goats to mastitis were studied. The data obtained were subjected to analysis using SPSS. Of the total number of milk samples examined, 95 % were significantly of normal milk color (P<0.05) while blood tinged and greenish milk were the least statistically significant manifestation (P<0.05). Flock size, kidding season, halves of udder affected, kids per parturition, age of doe and parity significantly increased the occurrence of Caprine mastitis (P<0.05). Key words: Mastitis, Goats, Kidding, Parturition.

Pathogen detection in milk samples by ligation detection reaction-mediated universal array method

This paper describes a new DNA chip, based on the use of a ligation detection reaction coupled to a universal array, developed to detect and analyze, directly from milk samples, microbial pathogens known to cause bovine, ovine, and caprine mastitis or to be responsible for foodborne intoxication or infection, or both. Probes were designed for the identification of 15 different bacterial groups: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, nonaureus staphylococci, Streptococcus bovis, Streptococcus equi, Streptococcus canis, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus parauberis, Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Mycoplasma spp., Salmonella spp., Bacillus spp., Campylobacter spp., and Escherichia coli and related species. These groups were identified based on the 16S rRNA gene. For microarray validation, 22 strains from the American Type Culture Collection or other culture collections and 50 milk samples were tested. The results demonstrated high specificity, with sensitivity as low as 6 fmol. Moreover, the ligation detection reaction-universal array assay allowed for the identification of Mycoplasma spp. in a few hours, avoiding the long incubation times of traditional microbiological identification methods. The universal array described here is a versatile tool able to identify milk pathogens efficiently and rapidly.

Identification of Enterotoxin Genes in Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Bovine and Caprine Milk

Among the main microorganisms responsible for bovine, ovine and caprine mastitis, Staphylococcus aureus is important, not only with respect to the animal disease, but also because of its potential impact on public health and food safety. In fact, some Staphylococcus aureus strains can produce enterotoxins which could cause food poisoning through consumption of milk or dairy products, particularly cheeses manufactured with raw milk. Inasmuch as milk of infected animals is considered the main source of enterotoxigenic S. aureus of animal origin, the importance of an efficient screening process for the presence of enterotoxigenic strains is required. The aim of this study was to develop an assay using a multiplex PCR technique to verify the presence of genes encoding for classical (from A to D) and recently described (G, H, I, J, L) staphylococcal enterotoxins in Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from bovine and caprine milk.

Comparison of Staphylococcus aureus Genotypes Recovered from Cases of Bovine, Ovine, and Caprine Mastitis

Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen in domestic ruminants. The main objective of this study was to determine the similarity of epidemiologically unrelated S. aureus isolates from bovine, ovine, and caprine mastitis. By pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, 160 different pulsotypes (PTs) were identified among 905 isolates recovered from 588 herds in 12 counties in Norway. Based on estimates of similarity, using an 80% cluster cutoff, the isolates were assigned to 47 clusters. One cluster included 62% of all the isolates and more than 45% of the isolates from each host species. Twenty-three PTs included isolates from more than one host species; these 23 PTs represented 72% of all the isolates. The six most prevalent PTs included isolates from all host species and contained 45% of the bovine isolates, 54% of the ovine isolates, and 37% of the caprine isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 373 of the isolates revealed resistance to penicillin in 2.9% and to streptomycin in 2.4%; only 1.9% were resistant to 1 of the other 11 antimicrobials tested. The results of this study suggest that a small number of closely related genotypes are responsible for a great proportion of S. aureus mastitis cases in cows, ewes, and goats in Norway and that these genotypes exhibit little or no host preference among these species. Selection due to antimicrobial resistance appears not to have contributed to the predominance of these genotypes.

Bacteriological and haematological studies of clinical mastitis in goats in Ibadan, OYO State, Nigeria

An investigation was undertaken to identify the bacteria from clinical cases of caprine mastitis in Ibadan and to compare the haematological values of mastitic and non-mastitic does. Bacteriological examination of milk samples from 35 clinically affected udders was performed. A total of 53 bacterial isolates belonging to seven bacteriological genera, were recovered from the milk of the mastitic does examined. The coagulase-negative staphylococci ( Staphylococcus epidermidis) were the most common pathogen in this study with an incidence of (50.9%); followed by Escherichia coli with (15.1%) incidence, while Streptococcus species and Bacillus cereus had an incidence of 9.4 and 7.5%, respectively. However, Mannhiemia ( P.) haemolytica, Corynebacterium species and Klebsiella pneumoniae showed an incidence of 5.7%, respectively. The profile of bacteria encountered in this investigation are among the pathogen that have been incriminated as sources of contamination of fresh milk meant for human consumption and are therefore of public health importance. The haematological values of mastitic and non-mastitic does were compared statistically. The erythrocytic values of mastitic does were significantly ( P < 0.05) lower than that of the non-mastitic does. However, the total and differential leucocyte counts of the mastitic does were significant ( P < 0.05) higher than that of the non-mastitic does. The full haematological counts are true reflection of the health status of an animal. Total and differential leucocyte counts in lactating does are true reflection of mastitis and will even assist the clinicians in predicting the prognosis of mastitic animals.

Streptococcus equi subsp. ruminatorum subsp. nov., isolated from mastitis in small ruminants

Six isolates of an unknown Gram-positive, catalase-negative, chain-forming, coccus-shaped organism isolated from ovine and caprine mastitis were characterized by phenotypic and molecular taxonomic methods. On the basis of cellular morphology and the results of biochemical tests, the organism was tentatively identified as a streptococcal species. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies confirmed that the organism is a member of the genus Streptococcus, with Streptococcus equi as its closest phylogenetic relative (98.8 % similarity). DNA-DNA pairing studies showed that the unidentified organism displayed more than 70 % relatedness to the type strains of S. equi subsp. equi and subsp. zooepidemicus. Despite the relatively high DNA-DNA reassociation values, biotyping and ribotyping allowed clear differentiation of the unknown bacterium from the two recognized subspecies of S. equi. On the basis of phenotypic and molecular genetic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown Streptococcus isolates from ovine and caprine mastitis be classified as a novel subspecies, Streptococcus equi subsp. ruminatorum subsp. nov. The type strain is CECT 5772(T) (=CCUG 47520(T)=Mt 167(T)).

Field evaluation of flunixin meglumine in the supportive treatment of caprine mastitis

Field evaluation of flunixin meglumine in the supportive treatment of caprine mastitis

Mastitis of Sheep and Goats

This article presents an overview of the recent research into ovine and caprine mastitis. The common clinical presentations of mastitis in these species are reviewed, as are the important etiologic agents and their significance. The interpretation of somatic cell counts and surrogate tests, factors that affect somatic cell count levels, and association of somatic cell count levels with productivity are reviewed. Investigations into the treatment and prevention of mastitis and milking equipment function are discussed, and comments are made on the public health implications of extra label drug use and the consumption of unpasteurized milk.

Chronic caprine mastitis in Nigerian goat breeds: microbiological flora and histopathological findings

In a study involving lactating does with normal-sized and enlarged pendulous udders, 85.5% of milk samples obtained from does with unilateral udder enlargement and 84.8% of samples from bilaterally enlarged udders indicated the presence of intramammary inflammation based on results of the modified Whiteside test. In contrast, only 47.6% of milk samples obtained from normal-sized udders showed evidence of intramammary inflammation. Bacterial cultures were performed on all milk samples which showed evidence of intramammary inflammation. 16 species of bacteria and other microorganisms were cultured from these samples. Bilaterally enlarged udders collectively yielded 13 different microbial isolates, while unilaterally enlarged udders yielded 11, and normal-sized udders yielded 9. The most frequent isolates in all groups were Staphylococcus spp. and Corynebacterium spp. On histopathologic examination, severe pathological changes in the teat and udder tissues of enlarged pendulous udders were observed. Lesions in parenchymatous tissues showed mild to severe inflammation with involution of the parenchyma of glands. This led to shrinkage of the alveoli and in severe cases, their complete disappearance and replacement by fibrous connective tissue which was observed to have a high degree of proliferation. Sections of non-pendulous udder tissue showed proper arrangement of alveoli with hypertrophic epithelial cells, indicating active secretory activity. The results provide some definitive evidence that enlarged pendulous udder development in some Nigerian breeds of goats is not spontaneous but occurs largely as a result of incursion of the mammary glands by pathogenic organisms which may cause mastitis resulting in progressive dysfunction of mammary tissue. In chronic cases, there is severe atrophy of glandular tissue leading to fibrosis.

Observations on the prevalence of caprine mastitis in relation to predisposing factors in Maiduguri

Mastitis in goats was investigated by a survey made in four locations of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council. A total of 300 goats were examined. The results of physical examinations of mammary glands by palpation and milk secretion were used to determine clinical mastitis. Bacteriological examination of milk samples was done in all milk collected from mastitic goats and some selected control animals. A total of 51 (17%) goats had mastitis; out of these 16 (31%) had both halves of the udder affected, whereas the remaining 35 (68%) had only one half of udder affected. Of the 50 samples from apparently normal goat udders, 20 (40%) had bacterial growth. There was no association between teat diameter, teat-end-to-floor distance and mastitis ( p > 0.05). There was an association between teat injuries and mastitis ( p < 0.05). Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were most commonly isolated from the mastitic goat udders. Other bacteria isolated were coagulase negative Staphylococci, Bacillus spp, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis. It is suggested that because of the prevalence of mastitis in this species, farmers should be made aware of the problem so as to institute preventive and control measures to reduce losses due to this condition in dairy goats.

Caprine mastitis due to aspergillosis and zygomycosis: a pathological and immunohistochemical study

Of 73 goats on a dairy farm, 27 developed mycotic mastitis in the post-partum period. Purulent mammary secretion, progressive induration of the affected glands, slight fever and weight loss were observed. As treatment produced no improvement within 2-3 weeks, all diseased animals were slaughtered. At post-mortem examination, widespread acute and chronic mycotic lesions were seen throughout the affected glands. Infection was thought to have spread through the milk ducts as an ascending infection resulting from prophylactic intramammary treatment with antibiotic before parturition. In all lesions, aspergillus hyphae were identified by indirect immunofluorescent labelling, which gave a strong and uniform reaction with polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to Aspergillus fumigatus. In a single granulomatous lesion, zygomycotic hyphae were also identified immunohistochemically. At terminal swellings of aspergillus hyphae, "yeast-like bodies" were produced, a phenomenon which seems to be associated with special, but unknown, circumstances.

Studies on the microbiological flora of caprine mastitis and antibiotic inhibitory concentrations in Nigeria

The prevalence of bacterial species in each of 103 clinically unaffected and affected caprine udders in the Sahel zone of Nigeria was investigated. A total of 11 genera of bacteria were isolated from unaffected and affected udders. Of the 39 bacterial species isolated from the udders, Acinetobacter anitratus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pasteurella haemolytica and Staphylococcus aureus occurred significantly (P<0.05) more often than other species in affected compared with unaffected udders. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of six antibiotics tested against the significant isolated showed that tylosin had the lowest inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.10–0.39 μg/ml. Streptomycin and methicillin with MICs of 0.10–0.65 μ/ml and 0.13–1.04 μg/mg, respectively, were lower than bacitracin oxytetracycline and cloxacillin. The need to ascertain antibiotic inhibitory concentrations against significant isolates from different geographical locations for effective chemotherapy and control of caprine mastitis are indicated.

Gangrenous caprine coliform mastitis

The goat recovered fully with treatment of combiotic R (penicillin/ streptomycin) at the dose of 20 mg/kg i.m. for 7 days. Dexamethasone R, a steroid was given intramammary once on the affected side. The affected udder sloughed off after 2 days, and healing of the sloughed surface took place. Microbiological examination of milk samples from the affected udder yielded Escherichia coli. Caprine mastitis is an important disease in Nigeria, and measures aimed at prevention and control to minimise losses from mastitis in this species will enhance milk and meat production in Nigeria.

Prevalence of clinical mastitis and of intramammary infections in Nigerian goats

Mastitis in goats was investigated by a survey made in seven government established goat farms in Kaduna, Kano and Katsina States of Nigeria. A total of 900 goats was examined. The prevalence of mastitis was judged by the results of physical examinations of the mammary gland by palpation and evaluation of the milk secretion. Bacteriological examination also was done on all milk samples collected from affected goats and some selected control animals. A total of 92 goats (10%) had mastitis. Twenty-two (23.91%) of the affected goats had bilateral infection, while 70 (76.1%) had only one udder half affected. In cases of unilateral involvement, there was no significant difference as to which half (left or right) was clinically affected. From 200 apparently normal goats' udders 70 (35%) of the mammary glands examined harboured bacteria of importance. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were the most commonly isolated bacteria from mastitic goats. Other bacteria were coagulase negative Staphylococcus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, βeta-haemolytic and non-haemolytic streptococci. Bacillus species, Actinomyces pyogenes, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, Pasteurella haemolytica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Actinobacillus equuli. This is the first report of A. equuli associated with caprine mastitis in Nigeria.

Caprine Mastitis Experimentally Induced with Mycoplasma ovine caprine Serogroup 11 (2-D)

home Acta Veterinaria Brno Journal of the University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Czech Republic Search:

Characteristics of an Unusual Mycoplasma Isolated from a Case of Caprine Mastitis and Arthritis with Possible Systemic Manifestations

A mycoplasma designated strain GM790A was isolated from milk and internal organs of 2 lactating goats showing mastitis and arthritis. The isolate was not related serologically to any of the currently known ovine-caprine mycoplasmas, except an isolate designated Mycoplasma sp. G, first recorded from the external ear canal of clinically normal goats in Australia. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and restriction enzyme DNA studies of strain GM790A and Mycoplasma sp. G revealed similar but not identical patterns. The inoculation of strain GM790A into the teat canal of 2 lactating goats resulted in an abrupt diminution of lactation leading to mastitis and agalactia in about 3 days. A maximum of 1 x 10(7) colony-forming units (CFU) of the mycoplasma were shed per ml of mammary secretion. Milk production partially resumed at a low level 3 weeks postinoculation, the longest period tested, but the milk still contained 1 x 10(2) CFU of the agent. The results of this study indicate that strain GM790A possesses pathogenic potential for the goat and most probably represents a new species of the genus Mycoplasma.

Determination of NA-Gase activity in milk for diagnosis of subclinical caprine mastitis

Two goat herds were examined to determine the prevalence and causes of subclinical mastitis and to assess the value of some laboratory tests currently used as aids in the diagnosis of caprine mastitis. Due to large variation in mean cell count, the Whiteside test and California mastitis test were unreliable in diagnosis of caprine mastitis. N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NA-Gase) activity in the milk was a sensitive method in detecting subclinical mastitis in goats. In 381 samples from mammary gland halves of 191 goats, the prevalence of infection in the two herds ranged from 13.0% to 20.0%. Organisms isolated were coagulase-negative staphylococci 54.2%, coagulase-positive staphylococci 20.3%, alpha-haemolytic streptococci 2.0%, Pasteurella haemolytica biotype A 5.0%, Mycoplasma agalactiae 6.0% and Escherichia coli 4.0%.

Antibiotic persistence and tolerance in the lactating goat following intramammary therapy

Due to the impact of the dairy quota system, the commercial use of goats for the production of milk and associated products is attractive to farmers diversifying their dairy interest. Intensification of milking and the expansion of herds will inevitably increase the incidence of caprine mastitis. The pharmaceutical industry and the veterinary surgeon will be required to provide data and advice upon the performance of currently available bovine intramammary products when used in the goat. This study produced evidence that one available bovine intramammary product, when infused into the glands of milking goats, produced a withholding time approximately double that defined for the cow. Following a course of infusions after three successive milkings, milk was not available for human consumption or for the production of cheese and yoghurt until 112 hours after the final infusion. This situation is likely to be representative of that which will occur for other currently available bovine intramammaries when prescribed in the goat.

Surface Properties of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Caprine Mastitis

A total of 53 Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from caprine mastitis were tested for surface hydrophobicity, surface Protein A (SpA), and binding capacity of fibronectin, fibrinogen and type II collagen. Strong positive correlation was found between surface hydrophobicity and SpA, and between surface hydrophobicity and 125I-fibronectin-binding. Regardless of hydrophobicity, the binding of fibrinogen was moderate and type II collagen binding was low. The results indicate that SpA and fibronectin-binding protein contribute to the high relative surface hydrophobicity of S. aureus associated with caprine mastitis.