Acute phase response in two consecutive experimentally induced E. coli intramammary infections in dairy cows.

Background: Acute phase proteins haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA) and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) have suggested to be suitable inflammatory markers for bovine mastitis. The aim of the study was to investigate acute phase markers along with clinical parameters in two consecutive intramammary challenges with Escherichia coli and to evaluate the possible carry-over effect when same animals are used in an experimental model.

Methods: Mastitis was induced with a dose of 1500 cfu of E.