DIAGNOSTIC-VALUE OF CERTAIN MASTITIS MARKERS IN FOLLOWING UP THE CLINICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL CHANGES IN PHARMACOTHERAPEUTIC STUDIES

Trends of certain mastitis markers were studied in udder quarters (n = 201) showing clinical symptoms of acute mastitis. Besides the clinica l examination, before the first treatment (baseline sample), and about 3 weeks later, 17 to 24 days following the last treatment (control sa mple) milk samples were collected for bacteriological identification o f the mastitis pathogens and for the determination of certain inflamma tory markers: somatic cell count (SCC), N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidas e (NAGase) and alpha(1)-antitrypsin (ATR) activities, as well as bovin e serum albumin (BSA) and chloride (Cl-) concentrations. Based upon th e clinical and bacteriological status as well as the SCC recorded at t he control investigations, 6 groups were established (recovered, laten tly infected; subclinical mastitis: bacteriologically positive and neg ative, as well as clinical mastitis: bacteriologically positive and ne gative). As compared to the baseline samples, all parameters decreased in the case of recovered udder quarters, as well as in those with aba ted latent infection or subclinical mastitis at the time of control ex amination. Comparing the control samples of the different categories, characteristic differences were found in NAGase activity, indicating t he grade of cytodamaging effect of mastitis. Of the other markers, ATR and Cl- proved to be more adequate for the differentiation than BSA. It can be concluded that, in addition to SCC, first of all NAGase can be recommended for use as an inflammatory parameter in pharmacodynamic studies. Besides these two parameters, ATR and Cl- can also be chosen as a possible third marker.