Applicability of rep-PCR fingerprinting for identification of Lactobacillus species.

PCR amplification of repetitive bacterial DNA elements fingerprinting using the (GTG)(5) primer ((GTG)(5)-PCR) was proven to be useful for differentiation of a wide range of lactobacilli (i.e. 26 different (sub)species) at the species, subspecies and potentially up to the strain level. Using this rapid and reproducible genotypic technique, new Lactobacillus isolates recovered from different types of fermented dry sausage could be reliable identified at the (sub)species level. In conclusion, (GTG)(5)-PCR was found to be a promising genotypic tool for rapid and reliable speciation and typing of lactobacilli and other lactic acid bacteria important in food-fermentation industries.