Antibacterial and Anti-Biofilm In Vitro Activities of Essential Oils Against Bovine Mastitis-Related Pathogens

Background

The inflammation of the mammary gland, known as bovine mastitis, is a major challenge for the dairy cattle industry globally. The main organisms responsible for mastitis are bacteria, classified as either contagious, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, and Streptococcus agalactiae, or environmental, primarily Streptococcus spp. (e.g., Streptococcus uberis) and coliform species. Even though the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of pathogens poses a serious threat, antibiotics are still the primary treatment for mastitis. It is therefore necessary to explore alternative therapies, such as essential oils (EOs). This in vitro research intended to evaluate the efficacy of EOs against pathogens associated with bovine mastitis, as an alternative or complementary treatment to conventional antibiotics.