Use of Eosin Methylene Blue Agar to Differentiate Escherichia coli from other Gram-negative Mastitis Pathogens

Authors

  • Dagny J. Leininger Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Jerry R. Roberson Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Production Management Medicine, Food Animal Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences Blacksburg, VA 24061
  • François Elvinger Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Production Management Medicine, Food Animal Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences Blacksburg, VA 24061

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20005382

Keywords:

Mastitis, gram-negative pathogens, rapid identification, eosin methylene blue agar

Abstract

Mastitis is a continuous concern for dairy producers in the US because of its economic consequences. Coliform mastitis accounts for 20% to 80% of acute clinical mastitis cases and includes gram-negative pathogens Escherichia coli, Klebsiella and Enterobacter species. Rapid identification of the causative organism is essential to implement a prudent treatment plan. Escherichia coli can be rapidly identified with eosin methylene blue (EMB) agar based on the occurrence of a green-metallic sheen that appears on the surface of the bacterial colonies. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate EMB agar for differentiation of E. coli from other gram-negative mastitis pathogens. The secondary goal was to determine the time to first visible sheen.

Cover image of the 33rd Conference Proceedings: Cattle and calves standing in a field of wildflowers, gazing curiously at the photographer. Yellow background.

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Published

2000-09-21

Issue

2000

Section

Research Summaries 1