Rapid identification of Enterococcus italicus by PCR with primers targeted to 16S rRNA gene.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a species-specific PCR assay with primers targeted to 16S rRNA gene for the identification of Enterococcus italicus, a new species of Enterococcus, involved in the production of Italian cheeses.


RESULTS
The type strain of E. italicus (DSM 15952(T) - 16S rRNA gene accession no. AJ582753) and other strains of the species were subjected to a rapid identification by PCR using primer pairs located within the 16S rRNA gene. A species-specific PCR product of approximately 323 bp was obtained after amplification of all E. italicus strains tested. The specificity of the primers was validated with representatives of the most closely related genera and species and a number of other bacterial species. In addition, the technique enabled the recognition of E. italicus from cheeses.


CONCLUSIONS
The protocol was highly efficient and sensitive, enabling the identification of E. italicus from cheeses.


CONCLUSIONS
The species-specific PCR offers a reliable and rapid alternative to conventional phenotypic methods for the identification of E. italicus within the heterogeneous genus Enterococcus.
Fortina
M G
MG
Industrial Microbiology Section, Department of Food Science and Microbiology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. grazia.fortina@unimi.it
Ricci
G
G
Borgo
F
F
Manachini
P L
PL
D002611:Cheese / Q000382:microbiology*; D017931:DNA Primers; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal / Q000235:genetics; D016983:Enterococcus / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / Q000235:genetics; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013045:Species Specificity
D017931:DNA Primers; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S