DNA fingerprinting of Streptococcus uberis based on polymorphism of DNA encoding rRNA.

The rRNA gene restriction patterns of strains of Streptococcus uberis and Strep. parauberis were determined. Chromosomal DNA was digested with endonucleases and probed with radiolabelled DNA complementary to rRNA synthesized by random oligonucleotide priming using reverse transcriptase. Reproducible restriction patterns were obtained which readily distinguished Strep. uberis and Strep. parauberis. In addition, considerable variations in the patterns at the intra-specific level were observed indicating that rRNA gene restriction profiles are of epidemiological, as well as taxonomic value.