Non-S. aureus staphylococci (NAS) in milk samples: Infection or contamination?

Non-S. aureus staphylococci (NAS) are the most frequently isolated pathogens from bovine milk and can cause intramammary infections (IMI). They can also be found in teat canals, on bovine skin and in cows' environment, which may lead to unnoticed contamination of milk samples. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of NAS species as mastitis-causing pathogens or contaminants, and to identify possible differences between NAS species. A longitudinal study was conducted with consecutive milk sampling in five German dairy herds. Species identification was performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Infections were distinguished from contaminations using two different definitions based on the repeated detection of an NAS species. Of 15 NAS species found, eight and ten, respectively, were associated with an IMI. Staphylococcus simulans and S. chromogenes were associated with IMI in more than 90 % of the findings. S. warneri, S. xylosus, S. microti, S. haemolyticus, and S. succinus seem to be frequent causes of IMI as well as contaminants. If a species-differentiation is available after cultivating NAS, the findings should be interpreted in consideration of the observations made in this study, whether it is more likely a question of a contaminant or a cause of intramammary infection. The bacteria shedding intensity of the NAS species with a more substantially adverse effect on udder health seems to be higher than that of the less important NAS pathogens.