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Streptococci and enterococci associated with tonsils of cattle
J I Cruz Colque1, L A Devriese, F Haesebrouck
1Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional del Altiplano, Puno, Peru.
Letters in Applied Microbiology
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Streptococcus suis and mastitis pathogens were common in cattle tonsils. Streptococcus suis was prevalent in older calves, while Streptococcus dysgalactiae appeared more frequently in younger ones, with many strains unidentified.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
- Animal Health
Background:
- Streptococci are significant bacteria in animal health, with some species causing diseases like mastitis.
- Understanding the prevalence and distribution of streptococci in cattle tonsils is crucial for disease control.
- Previous studies have highlighted various streptococcal species in cattle, but age-related distribution requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify streptococcal species in cattle tonsils.
- To determine the age-specific prevalence of key streptococcal species, including Streptococcus suis and mastitis pathogens.
- To assess the occurrence of enterococci and the proportion of unidentified streptococcal strains.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial isolation and identification from cattle tonsil samples.
- Microbiological culture techniques and potentially molecular identification methods.
- Analysis of streptococcal species distribution across different age groups of cattle.
Main Results:
- Streptococcus suis, Streptococcus bovis, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, and Streptococcus uberis were the most common streptococci found.
- Streptococcus suis was dominant in calves aged 1 month to 1 year, but less common in younger calves.
- Streptococcus dysgalactiae was more prevalent in calves than in older animals; enterococci were rare except in the youngest group.
- Approximately one-third of all examined strains could not be identified to the species level.
Conclusions:
- Cattle tonsils harbor a diverse range of streptococci, including important pathogens.
- Age is a significant factor influencing the prevalence of specific streptococcal species in cattle.
- The high proportion of unidentified strains suggests the presence of novel or uncharacterized streptococcal species in cattle populations.