Genetic and restriction analysis of the 16S-23S rDNA internal transcribed spacer regions of the acetic acid bacteria.

The 16S-23S rDNA internal transcribed spacer regions of the acetic acid bacteria were sequenced and evaluated for molecular identification of these bacteria. All the sequenced spacers contained genes for tRNA(Ile) and tRNA(Ala), and the antitermination element. The sequences revealed 56.8-78.3% similarity. By PCR amplification of the spacers from 57 strains of acetic acid bacteria, single products of similar sizes were produced. Digestion of the spacers by HaeIII and HpaII restriction enzymes resulted in 12 distinct groups of restriction types. All the restriction profiles obtained after analysis of microbial populations from vinegar matched one of the 12 groups.