bovis - Articles
Skin swab
Synonym(s): Bacteriology, dermatology diagnostics
Introduction
- Skin swabs are an essential part of the investigation of a dermatological condition.
- They are simple to perform.
Uses
- Obtaining samples for bacterial or fungal culture.
- Sampling for cytological examination.
- Samples obtained from:
- Ear canal.
- Interdigital area.
- Sinus tracts.
- Pustules.
Advantages
- Simple to perform.
- Cheap.
- Often yield valuable results.
Technical problems
- The skin of cattle is heavily contaminated with both bacteria and saprophytic fungi. This makes a direct swab from ulcerated or eroded skin difficult to interpret.
Alternative techniques
- Skin biopsy.
Requirements
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Preparation
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Technique
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Aftercare
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed Papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Clegg S R, Bell J, Ainsworth S, Blowey R W, Bell N J, Carter S D & Evans N J (2016) Isolation of digital dermatitis treponemes. Vet Dermatol 27 (2), 106-109 PubMed.
- Schlotter K, Huber-Schlenstedt R, Gangl A et al (2014) Multiple cases of methicillin-resistant CC130 Staphylococcus aureus harboring mecC in milk and swab samples from a Bavarian dairy herd. J Dairy Sci 97 (5), 2782-8 PubMed.
- Paduch J H, Mohr E & Krömker V (2013) The association between bedding material and the bacterial counts of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus uberis and coliform bacteria on teat skin and in teat canals in lactating dairy cattle. J Dairy Res 80 (2), 159-64 PubMed.
Other sources of information
- Waine K, Busin V & Strugnell B (2019) Getting the Most out of On-Farm Post-Mortems: A Guide for Veterinary Surgeons. AHDB, UK. Website: https://ahdb.org.uk.
- Doxey D L & Nathan M B F (1989) BSAVA Manual of Laboratory Techniques.
- Scott D W (1988) Large Animal Dermatology. Saunders. pp 120-167.