Microbiology Exam 3 Review - Mastitis

The flashcards cover key concepts, causes, mechanisms, and treatments related to mastitis in dairy animals.

Mastitis

Inflammation of one or more quarters of the mammary gland.

Subclinical Mastitis

Inapparent infection present in all dairy herds, without visible signs.

Staphylococcus aureus

Gram-positive cocci that are a common infectious agent in mastitis with virulence factors such as hemolysins and superantigens.

Neutrophils

White blood cells that increase significantly in the presence of mastitis and are responsible for engulfing and destroying bacteria.

Humoral Immunity

Immune response involving antibodies that neutralize bacteria and toxins.

Keratin Plug

A physical barrier in the teat canal that obstructs the ascent of bacteria.

Lactoferrin

A soluble mediator that binds iron to prevent bacterial growth.

Clinical Mastitis

Visible inflammation/infection in the udder, often associated with abnormal milk.

California Mastitis Test (CMT)

A cow-side indirect diagnostic test used to assess mastitis by lysing leukocytes and forming a gel.

Intra-Mammary Therapy

Infusion of antibiotics directly into the udder, effective for treating clinical mastitis.

Dry Cow Therapy

Treatment used at dry-off to eliminate infections in the udder and reduce new infections.

E. coli

Gram-negative rod that is a common environmental pathogen causing clinical mastitis.

Endotoxin

A toxin released by Gram-negative bacteria (like E. coli) that can lead to systemic signs during infection.

Somatic Cell Count (SCC)

A measure of the number of somatic cells in milk, used to assess mastitis.

Preventive Measures for Mastitis

Include maintaining milking hygiene, udder cleaning, and regularly screening for subclinical cases.