What is the most common organism found in cow lacerations?

What is the most common organism found in cow lacerations?

• A. Staphylococcus spp.
• B. Escherichia coli
• C. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• D. Streptococcus uberis

Answer: (A)

Staphylococcus species are the most common organisms found in cow lacerations because these wounds are rapidly contaminated with skin flora. Cattle have Staphylococcus on their skin and in their environment, and when the skin is broken, these bacteria readily colonize the wound, making Staphylococcus spp. the typical initial and most frequent infecting organisms. Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are more associated with wounds with heavy environmental or fecal contamination and moisture, and Streptococcus uberis is a well-known mastitis pathogen rather than a frequent skin wound inhabitant.

Staphylococcus species are the most common organisms found in cow lacerations because these wounds are rapidly contaminated with skin flora. Cattle have Staphylococcus on their skin and in their environment, and when the skin is broken, these bacteria readily colonize the wound, making Staphylococcus spp. the typical initial and most frequent infecting organisms.

Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are more associated with wounds with heavy environmental or fecal contamination and moisture, and Streptococcus uberis is a well-known mastitis pathogen rather than a frequent skin wound inhabitant.