PCR-MEDIATED DNA-FINGERPRINTING OF ATYPICAL CAMPYLOBACTER STRAINS ISOLATED FROM SURFACE AND DRINKING-WATER

This study shows that typing through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) c an be used to differentiate between strains of Campylobacter and Arcob acter, whereas by means of conventional biotyping Arcobacter might he identified as atypical Campylobacter. Microaerophilic ''campylobacter- like'' organisms were isolated from several drinking water treatment p lants as well as environment al sources. The strains were characterize d by biotyping and PCR amplification of Campylobacter flaA/flaB and 16 s-rRNA Arcobacter butzleri-specific genes.