Reassessment of Sequence-Based Targets for Identification ofBacillusSpecies

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
TheBacillusgenus is a large heterogeneous group in need of an efficient method for species differentiation. To determine the current validity of a sequence-based method for identification and provide contemporary data, PCR and sequencing of a 500-bp product encompassing the V1 to V3 regions of the 16S rRNA gene were undertaken using 65 of the 83 type strains of this genus. This region proved discriminatory between most species (70.0 to 100% similarity), the exceptions being clinically relevantB. cereusandB. anthracisas well as nonpathogenicB. psychrotoleransandB. psychrodurans.Consequently, 27 type and clinical strains from theB. cereusgroup were used to test alternate targets (rpoB,vrrA, and the 16S-23S spacer region) for identification. TherpoBgene proved the best alternate target, with a conserved 4-nucleotide difference betweenB. cereusandB. anthracis. The high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities between some strains demonstrated the need for a polyphasic approach to the systematics of this genus. This approach is one focus of the Ribosomal Differentiation of Medical Microorganisms mandate. Accordingly, the 16S rRNA gene sequences generated in this study have been submitted for inclusion into its publicly accessible, quality-controlled database athttp://www.ridom_rdna.de/.

This publication has 21 references indexed in Scilit: