Intramammary Infusion of Micronised Purified Flavonoid Fraction (MPFF) in Mastitis-Diagnosed Dairy Cows Naturally Infected by Staphylococcus spp. in the Late Lactation

Abstract

Infectious mastitis is the most prevalent health problem in dairy cattle that can result in permanent economic losses on dairy farms. The micronised purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) is a biocompatible active polyphenolic compound derived from flavonoid glycosides which exhibits several antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and phlebotonic properties. The goal was to assess the effects of an alternative therapy for mastitis based on MPFF intramammary infusions in late lactation in dairy cows naturally infected by Staphylococcus spp. The California Mastitis Test (CMT scores) was performed to detect mastitis-positive quarters in twelve dairy farms. All cows were screened for immune response by measuring somatic cell counts (SCCs; cells/mL) in milk samples from each quarter. In addition, bacteriological identification, pathogenic bacterial isolates, and total bacterial counts (TBCs; CFU/mL) were assessed before (day 0, last milking day) and after (day 3 post-calving) MPFF application. Antimicrobial sensitivity patterns of the pathogenic isolated bacteria were evaluated. Finally, cure rates (%) were determined for each MPFF treatment. Around 15 mastitis-related genera were isolated. Staphylococcus aureus (25.2%) and coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS; 22.4%) were the most prevalent pathogens. No statistical differences were observed in SCCs and TBCs after low, medium, and high MPFF dose administration in S. aureus-positive mastitis cases (p > 0.05). However, differences were observed in SCCs and TBCs after medium and high MPFF dose administration in CNS-positive quarters (p < 0.05). The pathogenic bacteria isolate reduction after MPFF applications showed a dose-response fashion (p < 0.01) while isolates obtained from controls and low MPFF-treated quarters remained similar, irrespective of the pathogen (p > 0.05). Sensitivity patterns were variable, although S. aureus remained resistant, irrespective of the MPFF dose. However, CNS showed a dose-response sensitivity pattern. Finally, the cure rate (%) on day 3 post-partum improved significantly using medium and higher MPFF doses in CNS-positive quarters (p < 0.05). In conclusion, MPFF treatment was found to be more effective for CNS-positive cases in the late lactation due to noticeable dose-specific responses regarding somatic cells, bacterial counts, sensitivity patterns, and cure rates in dairy cattle.

The mechanistic role of natural antimicrobials in preventing Staphylococcus aureus invasion of MAC-T cells using an in vitro mastitis model

“…Maintaining optimal udder health in dairy farming requires a strong emphasis on hygiene practices, with the disinfection of teats emerging as a predominant preventive measure against mastitis, method commonly referred to as “post-dipping” [ 1 ]. Bovine mastitis (BM) continues to challenge the dairy sector as it’s a leading communicable health condition, causing substantial economic consequences for farmers worldwide [ 2 ]. Commercial disinfectants typically incorporate a range of antimicrobial agents, such as chlorhexidine, iodine, hydrogen peroxide, lactic acid, sodium hypochlorite, and triclosan.…”

“…Microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coli, Streptococcus dysgalactiae , Streptococcus agalactiae , Streptococcus uberis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella are notorious for their prevalence in BM which collectively complicate therapeutic strategies [ 3 – 5 ]. Out of the approximately 250 infectious agents implicated in bovine mastitis, Staphylococcus spp., in particular, is the predominant causative agent, linked with a myriad of symptoms [ 2 ].…”

“…derived from mastitis cases have been reported to display antimicrobial resistance. The notorious pathogen, S. aureus , has earned its reputation for its persistent infections with low recovery rates, largely due to its ability to form biofilms, evade host immune responses, and reside within micro-abscesses [ 2 ]. Recent trends have also witnessed a surge in mastitis cases associated with coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS), capable of producing toxins and interacting with fibronectin-binding proteins (FnbA) [ 2 , 6 ].…”

“…The notorious pathogen, S. aureus , has earned its reputation for its persistent infections with low recovery rates, largely due to its ability to form biofilms, evade host immune responses, and reside within micro-abscesses [ 2 ]. Recent trends have also witnessed a surge in mastitis cases associated with coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS), capable of producing toxins and interacting with fibronectin-binding proteins (FnbA) [ 2 , 6 ]. FnbA and ClfA are adhesive proteins facilitating the pathogen’s engagement with bovine mammary epithelial cells, playing a pivotal role in biofilm genesis [ 7 ].…”