AUTOMATED DIRECT SEQUENCING OF LEGIONELLA 5S RDNA

For gaining instant access to nucleic acid sequences PCR amplification plus automated non-radioactive solid-phase sequencing is a reliable a nd easy tool to handle. Using this method for a whole bacterial genus or family it is possible to rapidly determine their phylogeny. The met hod which we shall describe here is ideal for sequencing the 5S rDNA g enes of 49 Legionella species/strains. Keeping in mind that at least 1 ,000 bp ought to be used for statistical analysis, 5S rDNA-inferred ph ylogenetic trees and their significance will also be discussed.