Influence of mastitis on growth of starter organisms used for the manufacture of fermented milks

The effect of milk containing increased somatic cells on the starter organisms Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and L. acidophilus was examined. Increased somatic cell count resulted in stimulation of Str. thermophilus owing to increased proteolysis, but inhibition of L. acidophilus as a consequence of increased phagocytic activity of the polymorphonuclear leucocytes