PCR assay for the detection of Streptococcus spp. in buffalo milk.

Clinical and sub clinical mastitis exerts a negative impact on milk quality, quantity and animal health along with profits. Streptococcus spp. is one of the main causative agents responsible for mastitis. Therefore, a suitable and specific test is required for the rapid diagnosis of these organisms. For definitive diagnosis of Streptococcus spp. in mastitic milk, polymerase chain reaction assay was optimized using target sequence of 16S to 23S rRNA spacer region. This is a highly sensitive and specific assay which can be performed within hours and avoids cumbersome and lengthy steps involved in microbiological culture of milk and biochemical tests. This assay can be used as a screening test for a large herd to detect Streptococcus spp. in milk.