Streptococcus uberis (S. uberis)

Streptococcus uberis is a Gram-positive, catalase-negative bacterium that serves as a primary environmental pathogen responsible for bovine mastitis worldwide (NCBI, 2023). Unlike contagious mastitis pathogens, S. uberis is ubiquitous in the dairy environment, residing in bedding, soil, and on the animal's skin, making it difficult to eradicate through standard hygiene alone (PubMed, PMC7149335). It possesses various virulence factors, including the Streptococcus uberis adhesion molecule (SUAM) and the ability to form biofilms, which facilitate persistent intramammary infections (UniProt). While it is an organism rather than a single molecular target, it is the focus of veterinary pharmacology, where treatment typically involves beta-lactam antibiotics or mastitis vaccines (PubChem). The bacterium also produces plasminogen activators like PauA, which help it exploit host physiological systems to establish infection (Journal of Dairy Science). The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in S. uberis strains poses a significant challenge to dairy herd health and global milk production (StatPearls).

Other names

S. uberis

Antibiotics targeting cell wall synthesis (e.g., beta-lactams) or protein synthesis (e.g., macrolides, tetracyclines) within the bacterium (PubChem).