A rapid PCR based method to distinguish between Enterococcus species by using degenerate and species-specific sodA gene primers

Thirty of thirty-seven cocci isolates from traditional 36 h-old fermented goat's raw milk were characterised phenotypically and genotypically in order to assess the biodiversity within this wild microbiol population. Selective SB media, genus and species-specific tests, based on the manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase A encoding gene sodA, were used for the identification of enterococci species. All 30 isolates were characterised at strain level and 28 of them could be identifyed as belonging to the genus Enterococcus. In addition, by using Efm1/Efm2, Efs1/Efs2 and Eh1/Eh2 primers, ten different genotypes were recognised. Enterococcus faecium was the dominant biotype followed by E. faecalis. The results suggest that wild bacterial populations should be preserved in order to protect the traditional lactic fermentation and for product innovation.