Properties of coagulase-positive staphylococcal cells that make it difficult to diagnose and treat mastitis in cows

Abstract Coagulase-positive staphylococci are a group of bacteria that, among other things, cause inflammation of the udder in cows (mastitis). The identification of the species of staphylococcus causing the inflammation is crucial for the success of the treatment process due to the individual characteristics of the strains and even the characteristics of the bacterial population in the herd. However, through evolution, staphylococci have developed a number of processes that make species identification difficult. Knowledge of the actual cause of inflammation enables the selection of appropriate therapy, but despite advanced diagnostic techniques, erroneous results still occur. In this review, we present the current knowledge of mainly resistance mechanisms and how they affect the drug resistance of microorganisms. We also highlight the difficulties in the diagnosis and treatment of bovine mastitis.