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The role of pathogenic microorganisms in various mastitis forms development in cows

Mastitis in dairy cows is one of the most widespread and economically signifi cant diseases in modern dairy farming. It leads to decreased milk yield, deterioration of milk quality, increased culling rates, and additional treatment costs. Identification of causative agents is essential for effective therapy and prevention. The aim of this study was to determine the species composition and frequency of pathogenic microorganisms associated with different clinical forms of mastitis in cows. A total of 133 cows with clinical signs of mastitis were examined, and 346 milk samples from affected udder quarters were analyzed. The clinical distribution of mastitis cases was as follows: serous – 82,55 %, catarrhal – 6,98 %, fibrinous – 2,33 %, purulent – 2,33 %, and hemorrhagic – 5,81 %. Bacteriological examination revealed that serous mastitis was most often associated with Streptococcus uberis (4,22 %), Escherichia coli (2,82 %), and Pseudomonas aeru ginosa (2,82 %). In catarrhal cases, Streptococcus dysagalactiae (25,00 %), Staphylococcus aureus (20,83 %), and Streptococcus agalactiae (12,50 %) were prevalent. Fibrinous mastitis was characterized by infections with Staphylococcus aureus (37,50 %), Enterobacter spp. (50,00 %), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (100 %). Purulent mastitis was mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus (50,00 %) and Streptococcus uberis (37,50 %), while hemorrhagic mastitis had the most diverse microbial spectrum, including Escherichia coli (20,00 %) and Staphylococcus aureus (10,00 %). The results indicate the polyetiological nature of bovine mastitis. Streptococci are dominant in mild forms, whereas severe cases are more often associated with opportunistic Gram-negative pathogens. These fi ndings highlight the importance of routine microbiological monitoring, application of advanced diagnostic methods, and implementation of a complex approach to treatment and prevention of mastitis in dairy herds.

Keywords: mastitis in cows, mastitis pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, bacteriological culture, antibiotic therapy, antibiotic resistance, mastitis prevention.

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