Clinical and Histopathological Aspects of Naturally Occurring Mastitis Caused by Listeria monocytogenes in Cattle and Ewes

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from the milk of two cows and two sheep with mastitis in one quarter and one udder half. The animals were observed over a period of 2-12 months. Clinical examination of the udder, bacteriological examinations and determination of somatic cell counts of milk samples were performed monthly. All four cases suffered from a subclinical mastitis characterized by an elevated somatic cell count (0.8-10.1 x 10(6) cells/ml), a persistent shedding of Listeria and by a normal appearance of the milk. The animals did not show any systemic reaction, but all animals developed an atrophy of the infected mammary gland. Histological examinations revealed a chronic interstitial mastitis with diffuse infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages. All internal organs showed no abnormalities, no Listeria could be isolated. Listeria could however be isolated from the affected mammary parenchyma and from the mammary lymph node. The results of the bacteriological examination could be confirmed by means of PCR. Using PFGE, all the isolates from the same animal were identical. Immunohistochemical examination of the ovine mammary glands achieved a very strong immunoreactivity for CD5 cells. The mode of infection and the reaction of the immune system's defense of the ovine udders are discussed.

Review. Dairy farm management and production practices associated with the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in raw milk and beef

“…Some mastitis cases have been associated with infection by L. monocytogenes (Winter et al, 2004;Wesley, 2007). Nevertheless, the primary source of Listeria contamination in bulk tanks is faecal matter that enters the milking system during the milking process.…”

“…Infected cows may shed L. monocytogenes in milk (Winter et al, 2004), being poor milking and barn hygiene important risk factors for raw milk contamination (Sanaa et al, 1993;Van Kessel et al, 2011). Hygienic milking practices involving udder and teat cleaning and disinfection can help reduce milk contamination.…”

A Review: Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of listeria species in milk products

“…What's more, 18 vancomycin-inducible qualities were appeared to be under sB control in L. monocytogenes, showing a part in observing and keeping up cell divider honesty. Winter et al (2004) proposed that Listeria monocytogenes can bring about mastitis in dairy animals, and it can be shed in the milk of asymptomatic cows, human pollution happens through utilization of crude milk, or items fabricated with crude milk or ingestion of handled sustenance crossdebased with pathogens present in the nourishment preparing plant environment. In dairy cattle, L. monocytogenes can bring about neurological ailment, premature birth, or asymptomatic contaminations.…”

Somatic cell count as a monitoring system for hygienicmilk production in India: A review

“…Listeria monocytogenes: Winter et al (2004) Mycobacterium spp: Karimuribo et al (2005) carried out a study in which it was found that at least one member in the family was diagnosed to have tuberculosis within a period of two years before the study. Most human tuberculosis cases are due to M. bovis occur in young individuals and result from drinking or handling contaminated milk.…”