Routine molecular identification of enterococci by gene-specific PCR and 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing

For 279 clinically isolated specimens identified by commercial kits as ente rococci, genotypic identification was performed by two multiplex PCRs, one with ddl(E. faecalis) and ddl(E. faecium) primers and another with vanC-1 a nd vanC-2/3 primers, and by 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequencing. For 253 st rains, phenotypic and genotypic results were the same. Multiplex PCR allowe d for the identification of 13 discordant results. Six strains were not ent erococci and were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing. For 5 discordant and 1 0 concordant enterococcal strains, 16S rDNA sequencing was needed. Because many supplementary tests are frequently necessary for phenotypic identifica tion, the molecular approach is a good alternative.