Slime-producing staphylococci as causal agents of subclinical mastitis in sheep.

摘要: Hitherto, research work in slime production from staphylococcal strains of mastitis origin has focused laboratory properties these organisms. Objective present was to study subclinical sheep, caused specifically by slime-producing staphylococci: investigate its frequency and identify potential factors playing a role therein. Slime evaluated 708 isolates recovered cases field 2198 ewes performed an extensive countrywide investigation across Greece. Isolates were studied means microbiological molecular methods. Of strains, 262 characterised as slime-producing, 227 weak 219 non slime-producing. Most frequently detected genes eno icaB; Staphylococcus aureus possessed more than coagulase-negative strains; greater number or non-slime-producing strains. Subclinical staphylococci 337 ewes: prevalence population sampled 0.153. A multivariable mixed-effects model revealed that milking mode (highest hand-milked flocks) flock management system semi-intensive the two associated with increased flocks. The results confirmed significance producing importance aetiology sheep. Hand-milking identified most important factor predisposing infection.