Evaluation of bactericidal capacity of silver ion against bovine mastitis pathogens

Bovine mastitis, defined as an inflammation of the mammary gland, is usually associated with bacterial infection. Thus, treatment and control of mastitis relies primarily on antimicrobial therapy. This study investigated the bactericidal actions of silver ion against causing various bovine mastitis pathogens. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) and bactericidal activity times and concentrations of silver ion against pathogens were determined. The effect of silver ion on bacterial morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The MICs and MBCs of silver ion for various bacteria strains ranged from 1.9-15.6 μg/ml. SEM images indicated formation of a pit, distortion and disruption of cell walls in silver treated Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The results demonstrate that silver ion has a bactericidal capacity against causing various pathogens of bovine mastitis and suggest that silver ions may be exploitable as a therapeutic/preventative tool of bovine mastitis.