Two degenerate 16S rDNA primers have been designed for broad-range identifi
cation of eubacteria by PCR and automated sequencing. Using a simple method
, the primers have proven useful in identification of proteobacteria (Campy
lobacter Enterobacter; Escherichia, Helicobacter, Klebsiella), gram positiv
e bacteria (Mycobacterium, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus) and spirochetes (
Borrelia) derived from clinical samples. In several cases, the samples coul
d be identified at the species level.