Bovine mastitis (BM), a common infection in lactating cows, significantly affects both milk quality and quantity. This study investigated bacterial pathogens associated with BM in cows and assessed the efficacy of antibiotics against these isolates. Bacteria were isolated from mastitis-infected cows, and antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the agar-well diffusion technique.

A total of 18 bacterial isolates were identified, including 8 Gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli (2), Citrobacter freundii (3), Citrobacter diversus (1), Enterobacter aerogenes (1), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (1); and 10 Gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus spp. (8) and Micrococcus spp. (2). Staphylococcus spp. had the highest percentage occurrence (44.44%). Gentamicin (25 ± 1.41 mm) and ofloxacin (27.5 ± 0.71 mm) exhibited the largest zones of inhibition (ZI) against Gram-positive isolates, while the organisms were 100% resistant to ceftazidime, cefuroxime, augmentin, and cloxacillin.

Among the Gram-negative isolates, ofloxacin (26.5 ± 2.12 mm) and ciprofloxacin (30 ± 0 mm) showed the highest ZI, while resistance to ceftazidime, cefuroxime, cefixime, and augmentin was 100%. Staphylococcus spp., C. freundii, E. coli, and Micrococcus spp. were the predominant pathogens responsible for BM in the study area. Ofloxacin was found to be highly effective against BM infections, while ceftazidime, cefuroxime, cefixime, cloxacillin, and augmentin were ineffective.

This study highlights the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in BM infections and underscores the importance of prudent antibiotic use in veterinary medicine to avoid the development of further resistance. The study suggests that the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, such as ceftazidime, cefuroxime, and augmentin, should be discouraged in the treatment of BM