The aim of this study was to investigate the pathogen types in milk samples of cows with clinical mastitis and the sensitivity of isolated bacteria to various antibacterial drugs, in Adana region, Turkey. The study was carried out on 103 milk samples collected from dairy cows with clinical mastitis. Microbiological identification and isolation were performed to identify gram negative and gram positive bacteria, Mycoplasma bovis and fungi. Then, bacteria isolated from infected milks were subjected to in vitro antibiotic sensitivity testing, using 27 antimicrobials agents. As a result, a total of 146 microorganisms isolates were obtained from 103 milk samples. The predominant pathogen isolates recovered were fungi (21.9%), Escherichia coli (19.9%) and Staphylococcus aureus (13.7%), followed by Mycoplasma bovis (8.2%) and Streptococcus uberis (6.8%). The mixed predominant pathogen was fungi, (75%) the majority of which mixed with gram positive bacteria. Ampicillin, imipenem, Chloramphenicol and Streptomycin were the least effective antimicrobial agents, while the most effective antibiotics were Florfenicol, followed by Amikacin and Kanamycin / Cefalexin. In conclusion, the types of microorganisms that cause mastitis and the antibiogram results of the bacteria isolated varied. Most importantly, fungal mastitis is a serious problem, should always be considered before routine antibiotic therapy.

The Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research (OJVR), is the official publication of the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute. It publishes scientific papers reporting original research on diseases and disease vectors of livestock and wildlife with a focus on Africa, but with results of more than local interest.