Numerical classification of campylobacters by DNA-restriction endonuclease analysis.

Reference strains from five different species of Campylobacter were examined by DNA-restriction endonuclease analysis. The DNA profiles were resolved as absorbence peaks and converted to numerical values which were analysed by a Sirius microprocessor. The percentage similarity between each profile was calculated and the strains clustered together by the computer on shared similarities and the results displayed as an abbreviated dendrogram. Each of the species of Campylobacter were clearly separated from each other and the different biotypes within a species could also be differentiated.