A new laboratory method for preventing bacteriophage attack on cheese starter streptococci

Abstract

SummaryA method of preventing the action of bacteriophages on starters in cheese milk is described. Direct intramuscular injection of high titre phage preparation into a cow resulted in the appearance in the blood serum and milk of a high concentration of antibody. Even after considerable dilution this antibody is capable of neutralizing the homologous phage and serologically related phages. Methods of concentrating the antibody-containing milk were examined with a view to commercial application of the method in the protection of starter bacteria from phage attack.