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Enterotoxin production by Staphylococcus aureus isolated from mastitic cows
B T Cenci-Goga1, M Karama, P V Rossitto
1Department of Population, Health and Reproduction, Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Facility, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California 93274, USA. cencigoga@unipg.it
Journal of Food Protection
|September 25, 2003
Summary
Staphylococcus aureus from cow mastitis can produce toxins harmful to humans. This study found some S. aureus strains isolated from cows produced staphylococcal enterotoxins C and D, posing a risk for foodborne illness.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Food Safety
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a significant pathogen causing bovine mastitis.
- Certain S. aureus strains produce enterotoxins, leading to staphylococcal food poisoning in humans.
- The potential for S. aureus from bovine mastitis to cause human foodborne intoxication is a public health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of staphylococcal enterotoxin production in S. aureus isolates from cows with mastitis.
- To determine if these bovine mastitis-associated S. aureus strains could pose a risk for human foodborne illness.
Main Methods:
- 160 S. aureus isolates were collected from mastitic cows across 18 dairy farms in California over nine months.
- Isolates were cultured using a method to enhance in vitro enterotoxin synthesis.
- A reverse passive latex agglutination enterotoxin kit was used to detect staphylococcal enterotoxins A through D (SEA, SEB, SEC, SED).
Main Results:
- Twenty-two out of 160 S. aureus isolates (13.75%) produced enterotoxins.
- Seven isolates produced staphylococcal enterotoxin C (SEC), and 12 produced staphylococcal enterotoxin D (SED).
- Three isolates produced both SEC and SED; no isolates produced SEA or SEB.
Conclusions:
- S. aureus strains causing bovine mastitis can produce staphylococcal enterotoxins C and D.
- These findings highlight a potential risk of staphylococcal food poisoning in humans from contaminated dairy products originating from infected cattle.
- Further surveillance and control measures for S. aureus in dairy herds are warranted to mitigate public health risks.