Characterization of enterococci of animal and environmental origin using phenotypic methods and comparison with PCR based methods

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the discriminatory power of <I>ddl</I>-PCR (D-alanin-D-alanin ligase PCR) and ITS-PCR (Internal Transcribed Spacer PCR) for accurate identification of enterococcal species in comparison with phenotypic assays. Results confirm previous published data that <I>ddl-</I>PCR simple approach allows rapid identification of two the most frequently isolated spp. <I>E. faecalis</I> and <I>E. faecium</I>. When identification points towards other enterococci then that mentioned above, the ITS-PCR seems to be suitable complementary assay. Correct identification of enterococci to species level is important because of different spp. susceptibility to some clinically important antibiotics. For example, it is necessary to distinquish acquired vancomycin resistance from inherent one that is less epidemiologically important. Additionally, both methods can be valuable in epidemiological studies following enterococcus resistance gene transfer within human population.