What is the most common pathogen associated with mastitis?

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen associated with mastitis, particularly in humans. This bacterium is a typical skin flora and can easily enter the mammary gland, especially through cracked or damaged nipples, leading to an infection. The presence of Staphylococcus aureus is linked to both acute and chronic cases of mastitis, and its ability to form biofilms can complicate treatment and contribute to persistent infections.

Escherichia coli is also a recognized cause of mastitis, particularly in cases associated with environmental factors or in dairy cows, but it is less common than Staphylococcus aureus in human cases. Streptococcus pneumoniae primarily causes respiratory infections and is not a common pathogen associated with mastitis. Clostridium perfringens is more known for causing food poisoning and necrotic infections and is not typically involved in mastitis infections. Therefore, Staphylococcus aureus is rightly recognized as the predominant pathogen in this condition.