Detection of Pectinatus spp. by PCR Using 16S-23S rDNA Spacer Regions

Abstract

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for the detection of Pectinatus cerevisiiphilus and P. frisingensis was developed. The 16S rRNA gene (rDNA) and the spacer regions between the 16S rDNA and the 23S rDNA genes were used for the PCR reaction. The species-specific sequences in the spacer region between the 16S rDNA and the 23S rDNA genes were selected for use as PCR primers. The method developed in this study was rapid and sensitive. Furthermore, this method allowed identification at the species level, even between very closely related species, such as P. cerevisiiphilus and P. frisingensis.