Rapid test for detecting lactic streptococcal agglutinins in cheese milk

A Rose bengal-stained antigen plate testing procedure was developed for detecting lactic streptococcal agglutinins in milk. Colostrum samples were used as sources for immunoglobulins G and M. The indirect immunoassay revealed the specificity of immunoglobulin G to clump starter cells in contrast to immunoglobulin M. For example, Streptococcus lactis C sub(2) was agglutinated by G but did not conjugate well with M. The immunoassay testing also revealed a potential procedure for detecting lactic streptococcal agglutinins. Autoclaving milk prior to adding agglutinin-containing whey dramatically reduced agglutination of starter strains.