Host defence and bovine coliform mastitis. Host defence mechanisms and characteristics of coliform bacteria in coliform mastitis in bovine: a review.

This paper reviews the microbial properties that underlie the virulence of coliform microorganisms causing bovine mastitis. The interaction between the coliform bacteria and teat-duct defence, humoral defence and phagocytic cells is discussed. The functioning of these host-defence mechanisms seems to exert a major role in the course of a coliform infection of the udder.