I have spent 30 years on bacterial identification. We have only
experience with 'heterotrophic mesophilic groups'
Today, I would say there are 3 kinds of approaches:
1. 16S rRNA sequencing. - The rich man's choice
2. Phenotyping or chemotyping
A: 10-40 tests - Routine
B: 30-200 tests - Reference laboratories.
3. Miscellanous methods - When you know what you are looking for.
Serology (Salmonella), selective medium (Legionella), PCR
(Mycobacterium), etc.
The CCUG is holding >35000 strains and we have very large
databases and own softwares for probabilistic calculations. We
therefore stick to item 2B = traditional methods, but we
appreciate help from people sequencing (200 to 500 bp may be
sufficient).
There are excellent books, but the taxonomy is rapidly changing
and expanding, and we prefer to examine as many reference strains
as possible, not only the type strains.
Some bacteria can be immediately identified by the colony
morphology or by the smell. Some species can only be identified
with DNA:DNA-hybridization.
We find SDS-PAGE a good complement for sorting things out.
Welcome with more specific questions.
E. Falsen
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: BACTERIAL IDENTIFICATION???
Author: SE {tlambott at tic.bisman.com} at UUCP
Date: 1996-02-29 06.25
I am trying to find information on the various methods of bacterial
identification. If anyone knows of the best and most current place to
find this information--be it on the internet or in a book--it would be
most appreciated. Please respond via email to
tlambott at tic.bisman.com. Thank you!
TKL
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