Species Specific Oligonucleotide Probe for the Identification of Streptococcus thermophilus

Summary Sequences of 23S rRNA specific for the type strains of Streptococcus thermophilus and Streptococcus salivarius were identified and complementary oligonucleotides synthesized. The specifity of the probes was checked by dot blot hybridization. The probes reacted only with strains of S. thermophilus and S. salivarius, respectively. Other lactic acid bacteria tested did not react with these oligonucleotide probes.