Related Experiment Videos
Identification of yeasts from infected bovine mammary glands and their experimental infectivity in cattle
Abstract:
Cultures of yeast (n = 91) were obtained from infected mammary glands of cows in New York and Iowa. Of the isolants, 78% belonged to the genus Candida. Eleven Candida species were found, with C tropicalis being the most frequently isolated species and C rugosa being the 2nd most frequently isolated species. Five species of Candida and an isolant of Cryptococcus lactativorus were used for experimental inoculation of mammary glands of healthy cows. Of glands inoculated with C tropicalis, C rugosa, C parapsilosis, and Crypt lactativorus, 100% became infected. Only 3 of 8 glands inoculated with C krusei and 1 of 5 glands inoculated with C albicans became infected. Recovery of organisms from infected glands occurred on an average of 7.4 days after inoculation, and infections were eliminated spontaneously from 10 to 30 days after inoculation. Clinical differences were not noticed in the cows or glands regardless of the species of yeast used for establishing infection.
Insights
Yeast infections in dairy cows are common, with Candida tropicalis and Candida rugosa being the most frequent culprits. Experimental infections show varying success rates, with most clearing naturally within a month.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Mycology
- Dairy Cattle Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Yeast, particularly from the genus Candida, can cause mastitis in dairy cows.
- Understanding the prevalence and pathogenicity of different yeast species is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify yeast species isolated from bovine mastitis in New York and Iowa.
- To experimentally determine the infectivity of common yeast species in healthy dairy cow mammary glands.
Main Methods:
- Collected yeast cultures from 91 infected mammary glands.
- Identified yeast species using standard microbiological techniques.
- Inoculated healthy cow mammary glands with five Candida species and Cryptococcus lactativorus.
Main Results:
- 78% of isolates belonged to the genus Candida, with Candida tropicalis and Candida rugosa being most prevalent.
- Candida tropicalis, Candida rugosa, Candida parapsilosis, and Cryptococcus lactativorus caused 100% infection rates in experimental inoculations.
- Candida krusei and Candida albicans showed lower infection rates (37.5% and 20%, respectively).
- Yeast was recovered from infected glands an average of 7.4 days post-inoculation.
- Spontaneous clearance of infection occurred between 10 and 30 days post-inoculation.
- No significant clinical differences were observed between infected cows or glands.
Conclusions:
- Candida tropicalis and Candida rugosa are significant causes of yeast mastitis in the studied regions.
- Several yeast species experimentally induce mammary infections with varying success.
- Yeast-induced mastitis in cows often resolves spontaneously without apparent clinical signs.