Detection of Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans using PCR in milk of cows with mastitis

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mahdiyeh sianati 1
Ali kadivar 2
Somaye Shahrokh Shahraki 3
Azam Mokhtari 3
Zahra Hemati 3
1 MSc graduate, Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord- Iran
2 Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord- Iran
3 Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord- Iran
10.22034/ijvcs.2026.14940.1095
Abstract
Mastitis is a frequent and costly disease in dairy cattle. Streptococcus species, especially Streptococcus dysgalactiae (S. dysgalactiae), are major bacterial causes of this condition. Fungal mastitis can also occur, particularly in unsanitary environments or milking systems. Candida species are the most commonly isolated fungi in cases of bovine mastitis. Furthermore, Cryptococcus species have also been recognized as causative agents of mastitis in cattle. In this study, PCR was employed to assess the frequency of three mastitis-causing pathogens in cattle including S. dysgalactiae, Candida albicans (C. albicans), and Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans) across both clinical and subclinical cases of bovine mastitis. A total of 100 milk samples were obtained from cows diagnosed with both clinical or subclinical mastitis. The samples were centrifuged, and the resulting precipitate was utilized for DNA extraction. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was then conducted using specific primers. Out of a total of 100 milk samples, 3 samples (3%), 4 samples (4%) and 1 sample (1%) were found to be positive for the presence of S. dysgalactiae, C. albicans and C. neoformans nucleic acid using the PCR method, respectively. Streptococcus dysgalactiae positive cases were all related to subclinical mastitis, and C. albicans and C. neoformans positive cases were all related to clinical mastitis. Given fungal mastitis's resistance to conventional therapies and its significant risks to the dairy sector, the results of this study will help determine the frequency of the infection and, consequently, the application of targeted management protocols.
Keywords
Mastitis
Cattle
Bacteria
Fungus
Molecular detection
Subjects
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Iranian Journal of Veterinary Clinical Sciences
Volume 19, Issue 2 - Serial Number 33
Fall and Winter 2025/2026
March 2026
Pages 25-35