The value of rRNA gene RFLP analysis (ribotyping) as a tool for Corynebacte
rium and Turicella species identification was evaluated. Seventy-four strai
ns representing 26 different species or subspecies were analysed by BstEII,
SmaI and SphI ribotyping. Numerical analysis of the resulting rDNA banding
patterns was performed by Dice coefficient correlation in order to establi
sh a database for species identification. In general, most of the strains b
elonging to the same species clustered together. Interestingly, BstEll clus
tering of many species followed known phylogenetic lineages. This was not e
vident with the more heterogeneous SmaI and SphI patterns. The SmaI pattern
s contained a 1800 bp band in the digests of all species studied with the e
xception of Corynebacterium urealyticum. SphI digestion resulted in the mos
t heterogeneous patterns. The information provided by all three enzymes was
considered essential for the reliable linking of strains of unknown identi
ty with defined species in the database. It is concluded that ribotyping pr
ovides an useful tool for screening and characterization of potentially new
Corynebacterium species.