Biofilms are communities of microorganisms that are attached to a surface and play a significant role in the persistence of bacterial infections in both animals and humans. Biofilm bacteria are highly resistant to antimicrobial agents and host immune responses resulting in chronic infection of bovine mastitis. Biofilm formation is an important virulence factor that may result in recurrent or persistent udder infections and treatment failure through increased resistance to antibiotics and protection against host defenses. There is paucity of information regarding biofilm bacteria in bovine mastitis of veterinary importance and their role in disease pathogenesis. Bovine mastitis is an inflammation of the udder and represents one of the most difficult dairy diseases to control. Biofilm formation is considered a selective advantage for pathogens causing mastitis, facilitating bacterial persistence in the udder. Recently biofilm need attention due to its possible relation with mastitis causing pathogens and with the increased resistance to antimicrobial agents and host immune defense system. As a consequence of the presence of biofilms, the mastitis infection is more difficult to treat and eradicate, making this problem a more relevant pressing issue. Thus, we believe that a deeper knowledge of these structures in mastitis can help to determine the best control strategy to be used in veterinary practice in order to reduce losses in the dairy industry and to ensure milk safety and quality. The aim of this paper was to review the existing research and consequently to provide an overview of the role of microbial biofilms in bovine mastitis infections in Ethiopia.
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