Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) profiles for the distinction of Lactobacillus species.

Forty-one type and reference strains of Lactobacillus were evaluated using their randomly amplified polymorphic DNA band profiles. Developed bands for each strain were distinct and enabled discrimination. The best correlations were obtained applying the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient (r) together with the unweighted pair group method using arithmetic averages algorithm. All of the strains were clearly differentiated at and below the 72% similarity value. Species discrimination might be possible making use of the distinctly polymorphic bands amplified specific to a strain.