Related Experiment Videos
Occurrence of Prototheca zopfii, a mastitis pathogen, in milk
R S Pore1, T A Shahan, M D Pore
1Department of Microbiology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown 26506.
Abstract:
Prototheca zopfii was isolated from cow-composite milk and bulk tank milk by a new selective Prototheca enrichment method. Repeated testing of cow-composite milk from individual cows resulted in P. zopfii isolation data indicating a strong statistical correlation of P. zopfii with specific cows. Prototheca sp. were isolated from the milk of 31 of 79 cows in a single herd, and contamination was discounted as the source. Prototheca sp. were also recovered from 28 of 787 bulk tank milk samples from the Eastern U.S.A., and 22 of 69 temperature control milk samples from pooled dairy farm milk from delivery trucks.
Insights
A new method successfully isolated Prototheca zopfii from cow milk. This alga was frequently found in milk from specific cows, suggesting individual animal shedding rather than environmental contamination.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Dairy Science
- Algal Research
Background:
- Prototheca species are non-photosynthetic microalgae that can cause mastitis in dairy cows.
- Previous detection methods for Prototheca in milk were limited, hindering accurate prevalence studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a new selective enrichment method for isolating Prototheca zopfii from bovine milk.
- To investigate the prevalence and shedding patterns of Prototheca zopfii in dairy herds.
Main Methods:
- A novel selective enrichment technique was employed to isolate Prototheca zopfii.
- Cow-composite milk from individual cows and bulk tank milk samples were tested.
- Statistical analysis was used to determine correlations between P. zopfii isolation and specific cows.
Main Results:
- Prototheca zopfii was successfully isolated from cow-composite milk and bulk tank milk using the new method.
- A strong statistical correlation was found between P. zopfii isolation and specific cows, indicating individual shedding.
- Prototheca species were recovered from 31 of 79 cows in one herd and from bulk tank milk samples across the Eastern U.S.A.
Conclusions:
- The developed selective enrichment method is effective for detecting Prototheca zopfii in bovine milk.
- Prototheca shedding from individual cows is a significant factor in milk contamination, not solely environmental sources.
- Further research into herd management and control strategies for Prototheca is warranted.