Clinical and Sub-Clinical Mastitis in Various Cattle Production Systems in Kenya - Molecular Analysis and Antibiotic-resistance of Associated Bacterial species

Abstract

Background and Rationale: The silent epidemic of antibiotic resistance poses a danger to global public health. Worldwide, zoonotic strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli have been linked to both clinical and subclinical cases of bovine mastitis, However, in Kenya, sparse data exist on the antibiotic-resistant mechanisms and the resistant gene profiles related to bovine mastitis on drugs of the pis aller under various cattle production methods, including intensive, semi-intensive and extensive systems. Objectives: To produce an understanding of bovine mastitis and associated AMR within the context of cattle production systems, to tell on-farm control strategies for mastitis and mitigate dissemination of antibiotic-resistant pathogens because of bovine mastitis in Kenya. Methods: Cross-sectional laboratory study design in which MALDI-TOFMS will be used to confirm potential bacterial isolates causing mastitis from counties of Machakos, Makueni and Narok. Kirby Bauer disk diffusion technique will be used to phenotypically ascertain the mechanism of resistance for MRSA, ESBLs, CRE, and colistin resistant genes. Where applicable Polymerase Chain Reactions (RT-PCR) and DNA Sequencing will be applied. Analysis: Generated data will be analyzed using R v.4.2.1 and Graphpad Prism v.8.2.3. for descriptive and inferential statistics. Chi-square test will be used to compare categorical variables/risk factors against mastitis or resistance. Further, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis will be applied to calculate inferential statistics and assess the correlation between mastitis prevalence, resistance and various risk factors. Expected Results: Characterization of S. aureus, non-aureus Staphylococcus, E. coli and Pseudomonas spp as causative organisms in clinical and sub-clinical mastitis under various production systems. Generate data on their phenotypic antibiotic resistance patterns and genotypic determinants, including associated risk factors and genetic relatedness. Discussions: Baseline information on MRSA, ESBLs, carbapenems, and colistin resistance genes will be made available by this study. In order to manage and or eliminate livestock, zoonotic, food-borne infections and antibiotic resistance in a highly one-health approach way, it is important to highlight the role that livestock production methods and other risk factors play in mastitis and antibiotic resistance in Kenyan farms