Dynamics of Macrophages and Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes Milk-Secreted by Buffaloes with Udders Characterized by Different Clinical Status

Abstract

The study evaluated the dynamics of macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes milk-secreted by Mediterranean Buffaloes (MBs). Sixty quarter-milk-samples were collected and divided into three groups (n = 20 units each one): clinical mastitis (CM), subclinical mastitis (SCM), and intramammary infection (IMI). The control group consisted of an additional 20 healthy quarters. Their health status was assessed by clinical examination, quantitative somatic cell count (QSCC) and bacteriological milk culture. Finally, a differential somatic cell count (DSCC) was performed on all the milk samples. The mean percentage of macrophages, both in CM- and SCM-quarters, showed a significant difference as compared with the healthy-ones. Significant differences were also detected comparing the mean percentages of polymorphonuclear leukocytes between CM- and healthy-quarters, SCM and healthy, IMI and healthy. The QSCC revealed a weak-significant-negative-correlation with the quantitation of macrophages (r = −0.388), and a moderate-significant-positive-correlation with the polymorphonuclear leukocytes (r = 0.477). Macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes showed a weak-significant-negative-correlation between them (r = −0.247). The interpretation of macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes dynamics in milk provided beneficial information regarding the clinical status of the quarters enrolled. Future studies exploring the potential use of DSCC to improve udder health represent an interesting perspective in these ruminants.

Exposure of Buffalo Milkers to Pathogenic Bacteria and Characterization of Isolated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus spp.

“…The breeding of Mediterranean water buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis ) represents one of the most important agri-food sectors in Italian business, bringing a turnover of 477 million euros and an estimated production volume at over 1 billion litres in 2017 [ 1 ]. Buffaloes supply chain has widely developed thanks to its main food product, the buffalo mozzarella cheese, an essential resource mainly for Southern Italy, with a buffalo population of ~400,000 heads (95% of European population), providing over 15,000 jobs [ 2 , 3 ].…”

“…As widely demonstrated [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ], the use of incorrect preparing procedures for buffaloes’ udders can predispose to mastitis: an inflammatory process originating from the wrong interaction between the udders’ immunity, milking procedures, and microbiologic pressures (mainly provided by contagious bacteria) [ 1 , 12 ]. Furthermore, when an udder develops mastitis, the total microbial load of milk exponentially increases [ 1 , 11 ], exposing the employees of milking parlors to a higher risk of contracting a zoonosis (e.g., the infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coli , Klebsiella spp., Mycoplasms, etc. ), able to cause severe pathologies [ 13 , 14 ].…”