The Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Coa Gene (Coagulase Positive Staphylococcus aureus) from Bovine Milk

The study describes prevalence of coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus, a zoonotic pathogen, and rule out key risk factors associated with the spread of this pathogen. A total of 900 milk samples of animals (n = 450 cattle and n = 450 buffaloes) from three subdistricts of Faisalabad were collected and processed microbiologically for staphylococci identification while, PCR for coa gene identification. Surf field mastitis test was used to screen the samples for subclinical mastitis at milking. Chi-square test was used to assess association of risk factors with mastitis. The overall prevalence of subclinical mastitis was 55% comprising 54 and 56% in cattle and buffalo's milk, respectively. A significant difference (P<0.05) was seen in the prevalence of subclinical mastitis among the cattle from different cities. The prevalence of coa gene presented 39.33% from total samples. Highest prevalence was found in tehsil Samundari followed by Jaranwala and Faisalabad presenting 43%, 39%, and 36%, respectively. The quarter based prevalence of subclinical mastitis was found 32% while 5.58% of quarters were blind. Right side quarters and teats were more affected. The risk factors except body condition and parity presented significant association with mastitis. The study concluded that bacterial coa gene, was prevalent in milk, and determinants were strongly associated with higher prevalence.