Prevalence, Bacterial Isolation, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Clinical Mastitis in Lactating Camels in Southern Algeria (Illizi and Oued Souf)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.e358933Keywords:
Antimicrobial susceptibility, Clinical mastitis, Bacterial Isolation, Lactating Camels, Risk factors, Prevalence, She-camels (Camelus dromedarius), Southern Algeria, Streptococcus agalactiaeAbstract
Background: Clinical mastitis in she-camels (Camelus dromedarius) is a significant concern for camel farming, particularly in regions such as Oued Souf and Illizi provinces in Algeria. Mastitis affects the health of the animals and the quality of milk, impacting productivity and herd management. Understanding the prevalence, bacteriological characteristics, and risk factors associated with mastitis is critical for developing effective management strategies. Objective: This study aims to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and bacteriological characteristics of clinical mastitis in Sahraoui she-camels in the Oued Souf and Illizi regions of Algeria, with a focus on antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the pathogens involved. Methods: A total of 170 multiparous Sahraoui she-camels were clinically examined. Milk samples were collected from affected animals, and bacterial isolates were obtained and identified. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on the isolates to determine resistance patterns. Risk factors, such as tick infestation, udder lesions, and the use of anti-suckling devices, were also assessed. Results: Gram-positive cocci were the predominant pathogens, with Streptococcus agalactiae accounting for 85% of bacterial isolates. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that oxytetracycline, doxycycline, erythromycin, and cotrimoxazole showed 100% efficacy. Sulfamethazine/trimethoprim and tylosin exhibited 85% susceptibility, while penicillin and amoxicillin were effective in 60% of cases. Enrofloxacin demonstrated moderate efficacy, with a 50% susceptibility rate. The study also identified key risk factors such as tick infestation, udder lesions, and anti-suckling devices. Conclusions: The study underscores the importance of monitoring bacterial resistance in camel mastitis and suggests that appropriate treatment strategies, including the use of oxytetracycline, doxycycline, and erythromycin, should be prioritized. Effective management of mastitis in Algerian camel herds requires addressing the identified risk factors, such as tick infestations and udder injuries, and implementing appropriate prevention and treatment strategies to improve animal health and milk quality.
Downloads
References
Abdel Gadir A, Hidebrandt G, Kkeer J, Molla B, Kyule M, Baumann M. Prevalence and risk factors of camel (Camelus dromedarius) mastitis based on bacteriological examinations in selected regions of Ethiopia. J Camel Pract Res. 2005;12(1):33-36. https://camelsandcamelids.com/uploads/journal-manuscript/PG%20033-036%20Prevalence%20and%20risk.pdf
Abdel Gadir A, Hidebrandt G, Kkeer J, Molla B, Kyule M, Baumann M. Comparison of California Mastitis Test (CMT), Somatic Cell Counts (SCC) and bacteriological examinations for detection of camel (Camelus dromedarius) mastitis in Ethiopia. Berl Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr. 2006;119(1-2):45-49. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16450708/
Abdella ME, Mohammed GE. Clinical study on camel mastitis (Camelus dromedarius) at Butana region, Sudan. SUST J Agric Vet Sci. 2014;15(2):82-94. https://repository.sustech.edu/handle/123456789/16916
Abdurahman OS, Agab H, Abbas B, Astrom G. Relations between udder infection and somatic cells in camel (Camelus dromedarius) milk. Acta Vet Scand. 1995;36:423–431. https://doi.org/10.1186/BF03547657
Abdurahman O. Udder health and milk quality among camels in the Errer Valley of Eastern Ethiopia. Livest Res Rural Dev. 2006;18(8):110. http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd18/8/abdu18110.htm
Abeer AM, Elshafie EI, Zakia AM, Muna EA, Sabiel YA. Epidemiological, bacteriological and histopathological investigations of mastitis in camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Tumbool abattoir, Sudan. Journal of Camel Research and Production. 2018;2(1):1858-8263. https://repository.sustech.edu/handle/123456789/23611
Abera M, Abdi O, Abunna F, Megersa B. Udder health problems and major bacterial causes of camel mastitis in Jijiga, Eastern Ethiopia: Implication for impacting food security. Trop Anim Health Prod. 2010;42(3):341-347. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-009-9424-6
Abo Hashem M, Ibrahim S, Goda A, Enany M. Diversity of microorganisms associated to she camels' subclinical and clinical mastitis in South Sinai, Egypt. Suez Canal Vet Med J. 2020;25(2):307-319. https://doi.org/10.21608/scvmj.2020.145315
Ahmad S, Yaqoob M, Bilal MQ, Muhammad G, Yang L-G, Khan MK, Tariq M. Risk factors associated with prevalence and major bacterial causes of mastitis in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) under different production systems. Trop Anim Health Prod. 2012;44(1):107-112. http://doi:10.1007/s11250-011-9895-0
Ahmed SOY. Bacterial diseases of the reproductive system of camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Eastern Sudan. J Anim Vet Adv. 2005;4(7):642-644. https://www.makhillpublications.co/files/published-files/mak-java/2005/7-642-644.pdf
Alamin M, Alqurashi, Elsheikh A. Mastitis incidence and bacterial causative agents isolated from lactating she-camel (Camelus dromedarius). IOSR J Agric Vet Sci. 2013;2(3):7-10. https://adsc.nu.edu.sa/documents/618654/16880905/Mastitis+incidence+and+bacterial+causative+agents+isolated+from.pdf
Alebie A, Molla A, Adugna W, Tesfaye A, Ejo M. Prevalence, isolation, identification, and risk factors of major bacterial cause of camel subclinical mastitis. Biomed Res Int 2021;2021(1):1-6. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5522331
Al-Hakak Z. The extent response of bacteria isolated from cases of acute, subacute and chronic mastitis in Iraqi camels to some antibiotics used in treatment. IOP Conf Ser Earth Environ Sci. 2023;1259:012081. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1259/1/012081
Al-Juboori AA, Kamat NK, Sindhu JI. Prevalence of some mastitis causes in dromedary camels in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Iraqi J Vet Sci. 2013;27(1):9-14. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/bd68/996788db75f95aff48be5a8725472e2dc2a8.pdf
AL-Tofaily YI Kh and Al rodhan MAN. Study on clinical mastitis (bacteriological) in she-camels (Camelus dromedarius) in some areas of middle Euphrates in Iraq. Al Qadisiyah Journal of Veterinary Medicine Sciences. 2011;10(2):66-76 https://iasj.rdd.edu.iq/journals/uploads/2025/03/19/40ff967f2441c7d6d6165e8d9c8cd547.pdf
Archana PI, Mai A, Baghallab IB. Mastitis in camels in African and Middle East countries. J Bacteriol Parasitol. 2014;5(3):1-11. http://doi:104172/2155-9597.1000188
Barka I, Akkou M, Khelef D, Bentayeb L, Bouchami A, Boudrissa AK, et al. Prevalence of mastitis in Algerian dromedary camels and antimicrobial resistance of the causative staphylococci. Mljekarstvo. 2023;73(4):271-280. https://doi.org/10.15567/mljekarstvo.2023.0406
Djeddi K, Houssou H, Gouasmia Y, Rahab H, Miloudi L, Belgith M, et Allag L. Clinical study on camel mastitis (Camelus dromedarius) at Beni Guecha area, Algeria. Egypt J Vet Sci. 2024:1-11. http://doi.org/10.21608/ejvs.2024.305760.2266
Djeddi K, Houssou H, Rabah S, et al. Prevalence and risk factors related to the mastitis in camels (Oued Souf, Algeria). Trop Anim Health Prod. 2025;57:107. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-025-04360-4
Djeddi K, Houssou H, Rabah S, Ouchtati D, Djeddoubenabid A, Miloudi A, et Khenenou T. Review on subclinical mastitis in dairy camels. J Appl Vet Sci. 2024;9(3):50-63. http://doi.org/10.21608/javs.2024.287387.1334
El-Agamy E. Camel milk. In: Park YW, Haenlein GFW, editors. Handbook of milk of non-bovine mammals: camel milk production and utilization. Ames, lowa: Blackwell Publishing; 2006. p. 297-344. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470999738.ch12
Faye B, Saleh SK. Detection of subclinical mastitis in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) using somatic cell counts, California mastitis test and udder pathogen. Emir J Food Agric. 2011;23(1):48-58. https://agritrop.cirad.fr/558810/1/document_558810.pdf
Geresu MA, Leliso SA, Liben GW. Camel mastitis: prevalence, risk factors, and isolation of major bacterial pathogens in Gomole District of Borena Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Vet Med Int. 2021;2021:9993571. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/9993571
Gramay S, Ftiwi M. Camel milk production, prevalence and associated risk factors of camel mastitis in Aysaita Woreda Afar Regional State, North East Ethiopia. ARC J Anim Vet Sci. 2018;4(3):17-37. https://www.arcjournals.org/pdfs/ajavs/v4-i3/2.pdf
Hadef L, Aggad H, Hamad B. Bacterial causative agents associated with subclinical mastitis in dromedary she-camels in southeastern Algeria. Jordan J Biol Sci. 2018;11(2):209-214. https://jjbs.hu.edu.jo/files/v11n2/Paper%20Number%2013.pdf
Husein A, Haftu B, Hunde A, Tesfaye A. Prevalence of camel (Camelus dromedarius) mastitis in Jijiga town, Ethiopia. Afr J Agric Res. 2013;8(24):3113-3120. https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJAR/article-full-text-pdf/1E402ED36308
Hussein MF. Mastitis. In: Infectious Diseases of Dromedary Camels. Cham: Springer; 2021. p. 153–157. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-79389-0_24
Hussein NA, Saad AM. Pathological study of camel mastitis in Tamboul area, Sudan. J Camel Pract Res. 2017;24(3):257-261. https://doi.org/10.5958/2277-8934.2017.00044.3
Jain NC. Common mammary pathogens and factors in infection and mastitis. J Dairy Sci. 1979;62(1):128-134. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(79)83214-2
Jilo K, Wako G, Mata W. Camel mastitis: A review. MOJ Ecology & Environmental Sciences. 2017;2(5):194-202. https://doi.org/10.15406/mojes.2017.02.00034
Kirk J. Sterile milk sampling. 2000.
Matofari JW, Younan M, Mwatha EW, Okemo PO. Microorganisms associated with sub-clinical mastitis in the Kenyan camel (Camelus dromedarius). J Trop Microbiol Biotechnol. 2003;2(1):11-16. https://doi.org/10.4314/jtmb.v2i1.35419
Megersa B. An epidemiological study of major camel diseases in the Borana Lowland, Southern Ethiopia. Oslo: Drylands Coordination Group; 2010. https://www.academia.edu/download/83305906/1042-dcg_report_no._58.pdf
Mehamud J, Megersa M, Abebe Y, Ahmed M. Prevalence, risk factors and major bacterial causes of camel mastitis, in Gursum District, Eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia. Global Veterinaria. 2017;18(3):203-208. https://www.idosi.org/gv/gv18(3)17/8.pdf
Mengistu F, Molla B, Ali A. Camel mastitis, associated bacterial pathogens and its impact on milk quality in Gewane District, a far Regional State, Northeastern Ethiopia. Bull Anim Health Prod Afr. 2010;58(3):249-259. https://doi.org/10.4314/bahpa.v58i3.64213
Mohamoud MJ, Hassan AH, Ziad AD, Abdullahi AA. Determination of prevalence of subclinical mastitis, characterization of intra-mammary infection-causing bacteria, and antibiotic susceptibility in dairy camels in Jigjiga City, Somali Region, Ethiopia. Front Vet Sci. 2024;11:1398118. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1398118
Obied AI, Bagadi HO, Mukhtar MM. Mastitis in Camelus dromedarius and the somatic cell content of camels' milk. Res Vet Sci. 1996;61(1):55-58. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0034-5288(96)90111-3
Ranjan R, Narnaware SD, Prakash V. Incidence, risk factors and economic impact of clinical mastitis in dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius). Trop Anim Health Prod. 2021;54(1):31. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-021-03035-0
Regassa A, Tesfaye D, Golicha G, Megersa B, Abunna F. Prevalence, risk factors, and major bacterial causes of camel mastitis in Borana Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Trop Anim Health Prod. 2013;45(7):1589-1595. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-013-0403-6
Ruegg PL. A 100-year review: Mastitis detection, management, and prevention. J Dairy Sci. 2017;100(12):10381-10397. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2017-13023
Saidi R, Mimoune N, Benaissa MH, Baazizi R. Mastitis u Deva u Južnom Alžiru. Vet Stanica. 2021;52(3):315-322. https://veterinarska-stanica-journal.hr/pdf/52/52-3/09-camel-mastitis-in-southern-algeria.pdf
Schukken YH, Wilson DJ, Welcome F, Garrison-Tikofsky L, Gonzalez RN. Monitoring udder health and milk quality using somatic cell counts. Vet Res. 2003;34(5):579-596. https://doi.org/10.1051/vetres:2003028
Seifu E, Tafesse B. Prevalence and etiology of mastitis in traditionally managed camels (Camelus dromedarius) in selected pastoral areas in Eastern Ethiopia. Ethiop Vet J. 2010;14(2):103-114. https://doi.org/10.4314/evj.v14i2.63887
Seligsohn D, Nyman A-K, Younan M, Sake W, Persson Y, Bornstein S, Maichomo M, et al. Subclinical mastitis in pastoralist dairy camel herds in Isiolo, Kenya: Prevalence, risk factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility. J Dairy Sci. 2020;103(5):4717-4731. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2019-17701
Thrusfield M. Veterinary epidemiology. 3rd ed. London: Blackwell Science; 2007. https://www.academia.edu/103112083/Veterinary_Epidemiology_Michael_Thrusfield
Wanjohi M, Gitao G, Bebora L. Subclinical mastitis affecting hygienic quality of marketed camel milk from North-Eastern Province, Kenya. Microbiol Res Int. 2013;1(1):6-15. https://www.netjournals.org/pdf/MRI/2013/1/13-012.pdf
Woubit S, Bayleyegn M, Bonnet P, Jean-Baptiste S. Camel (Camelus dromedarius) mastitis in Borena lowland pastoral area, Southwestern Ethiopia. Rev Elev Med Vet Pays Trop. 2001;54(3-4):207-212. https://doi.org/10.19182/remvt.9774
Wubishet Z, Dabaso A, Getachew G. Prevalence, associated risk factors and bacterial pathogens of camel mastitis in Borena Zone Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Int J Vet Sci. 2016;5(4):280-284. https://www.ijvets.com/pdf-files/Volume-5-no-4-2016/280-284.pdf
Younan M, Abdurahman O. Milk hygiene and udder health. In: Farah Z, Fischer A, editors. Milk and meat from the camel: handbook on products and processing. Zurich: Vdf Hochschulverlag AG, ETH Zürich; 2004. p. 67-76. https://books.google.com/books?hl=es&lr=&id=wZ6AYtmRDJUC&oi=fnd&pg=PA9&dq=Younan+M,+Abdurahman+O.+Milk+hygiene+and+udder+health.+In:+Farah+Z,+Fischer+A,+editors.+Milk+and+meat+from+the+camel:+handbook+on+products+and+processing.&ots=IPVkPcy7m1&sig=1r9F1Tr9XsP-RiyvRvhSqY53dmo
Younan M, Ali Z, Bornstein S, Muller W. Application of the California mastitis test in intramammary Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus infections of camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Kenya. Prev Vet Med. 2001;51(3-4):307-316. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0167-5877(01)00228-8
Zeryehun T, Haro G, Adane B. A cross-sectional study on the prevalence of mastitis and associated bacterial pathogens in one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in pastoral area of Borena lowland, Southern Ethiopia. Global Veterinaria. 2017;18(2):108-115. https://www.idosi.org/gv/gv18(2)17/6.pdf
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2021 Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Pecuarias

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
The authors enable RCCP to reprint the material published in it.
The journal allows the author(s) to hold the copyright without restrictions, and will allow the author(s) to retain publishing rights without restrictions.