Yeasts as a causative agent of bovine mastitis in Greece

Abstract

The aim of this study was to isolate fungi from mastitic milk of dairy cows and to identify fungal microorganisms involved in bovine mastitis. A total of 608 milk samples from clinical mastitis quarters from 580 animals in Northern Greece were collected, during the years 1997-2001. Antibacterial treatment was administrated to 50% of the sampled animals. Forty two (42) fungi were isolated and identified using mycological media and methods. From the 42 fungi isolates, 38 were yeasts and 4 moulds. The yeasts isolated were classified into the genera Candida, Geotrichum, Rhodotorula. From the thirty four (34) Candida species, 14 were identified as G tropicalis and 6 as G krusei. Furthermore, 4 isolates were classified as G pseudotropicalis, 4 as G albicans, 3 as G parapsilosis and 3 as G rugosa. Geotrichum candidum and Rhodotorula spp. were represented with 2 isolates. The isolated moulds were classified into the genus Aspergillus. Fungi were isolated in pure culture from 38 milk samples and in mixed culture with bacteria from 4. In 510 samples only bacteria were cultured, while in 56 samples no growth of microorganism was observed. The results of the present study indicate that a level of 6.9% of mycotic mastitis is significant and yeasts are apparently implicated in mammary gland pathology causing economic loss.