UPPSALA/SWEDEN, July 26th (Biermann) – In their study Dr. Aldo Capurro and colleagues aimed to find out if there are genotypic differences between Staphylococcus aureus isolates from cases of acute clinical mastitis in cattle from different Swedish regions. Thus, they examined 82 Staphylococcus aureus isolates using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to investigate pulsotype differences.

Apart from that, the investigators examined haemolysis type (α, αβ), β-lactamase production, and the association between S. aureus pulsotypes and breed, parity and presence of teat lesions.

The team reports finding a total of 25 pulsotypes, but most only once or twice, they add. The most common pulsotype, they say, accounted for 26% of the isolates and was found in all regions. The distribution of pulsotypes in the southern region of the country differed from the northern and middle regions.

Concerning haemolysis type, αβ- or α-haemolysis were found in 66% and 34% of the isolates, respectively. Production of β-lactamase was found in 9% of the isolates. Variation in haemolysis type or β-lactamase production was found within some pulsotypes. The results indicate that some pulsotypes have spread widely between herds within the country, the researchers conclude.

References

• The Veterinary Journal, Volume 185, Issue 2, August 2010, Pages 188-192