Main Etiological Agents of Bovine Mastitis
Main Etiological Agents of Bovine Mastitis
Keywords:
Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp, antimicrobial resistance, virulence factors, biofilms, dairy cattle, animal welfareAbstract
Bovine mastitis is an inflammatory disease of the mammary gland with major economic, sanitary and welfare implications in dairy production. It is caused mainly by bacterial pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus uberis and Escherichia coli, which differ in their epidemiology, virulence mechanisms and antimicrobial resistance profiles. This article presents a comparative analysis of the principal etiological agents of bovine mastitis, highlighting their prevalence, transmission patterns and capacity to persist within the mammary gland through mechanisms such as biofilm formation and immune evasion. Special attention is given to the increasing problem of antimicrobial resistance and its impact on treatment efficacy. In addition, recent advances in molecular diagnostics, biotechnological tools and alternative therapeutic strategies are discussed as key components for improving mastitis control, animal welfare and sustainable dairy production within a One Health framework.
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