BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Bovine mastitis, a major economic burden, is often caused by infectious bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus. This study investigated the antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties of Zataria multiflora essential oil against Staphylococcus aureus isolates from bovine mastitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen Staphylococcus aureus isolates were obtained from clinical mastitis cases. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the essential oil were determined using the broth microdilution method. Anti-biofilm activity was assessed via the microtiter plate test. Data were analyzed using the t-test. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Zataria multiflora essential oil exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC= 25 µg/ml and MBC= 100 µg/ml). In addition, Zataria multiflora essential oil significantly inhibited biofilm formation at sub-MIC concentrations (MIC/2 and MIC/4). These findings suggest potential therapeutic applications for bovine mastitis, warranting further investigation into this promising natural compound.
