EVALUATION OF AMPLIFIED RIBOSOMAL DNA RESTRICTION ANALYSIS FOR IDENTIFICATION OF ACINETOBACTER GENOMIC SPECIES

Further to a previous study, the usefulness of amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) for identification of Acinetobacter geno mic species (DNA groups) was rested. A set of 202 Acinetobacter strain s of 18 described genomic species and 17 unclassified strains were use d. Restriction patterns obtained with a standard panel of restriction enzymes CfoI, AluI, MboI, RsaI and MspI allowed for separation of 11 D NA groups. With the additional use of restriction enzymes BfaI and Bsm AI, five other (genomic) species could be differentiated, leaving only A. haemolyticus and DNA group 13BJ/14TU unseparated. With the standar d panel of enzymes, ten new ARDRA profiles were noted in 14 unclassifi ed strains. Two other unclassified strains had a profile in common wit h DNA group 15BJ, but were differentiated from this DNA group by restr iction with BfaI. One remaining unclassified strain could not be diffe rentiated from DNA group 17 by the standard panel of enzymes or by the enzymes BfaI and BsmAI. Results demonstrate the utility of ARDRA for identification of most genomic species of Acinetobacter. Furthermore, new ARDRA profiles that were shared by several unclassified strains ma y indicate so far undescribed genomic species in the genus.