Multilocus sequence typing results suggest that Staphylococcus aureus strains belonging to clonal complex 97 (CC97) and CC705 are not only dominant bovine S. aureus lineages in Japan but also pandemic bovine S. aureus lineages. These S. aureus lineages have often been isolated from ruminants but are rarely isolated from other animals. The lineages had common characteristics—i.e. LukM/LukF’-PV and coagulase serotype VI S. aureus in CC97 and CC705 were continuously isolated from bovine milk, cow's bodies, milking units, personnel, and heifers in cow barns. Moreover, S. aureus in CC97 and CC705 caused continued intramammary infection without symptoms for long periods in many cases. These locations and factors should be emphasised as sources and routes of strains causing bovine mastitis.
(Dairy Hygiene Research Division)
References:
- Hata E. et al (2010) J. Clin. Microbiol. 48:2130-2139
- Hata E. et al (2010) J. Vet. Med. Sci. 72:647-652
