Elaboration of PCR Primers for Bacteriocin Genetic Determinants Detection

ABSTRACT

The sequences of different genetic determinants of bacteriocins belonging to the classes of lantibiotics and pediocin-like bacteriocins were compared, and in a few cases it was possible to obtain consensus sequences for genes with identical functions. On the basis of these consensus sequences, fifteen primer sets were designed, and a screening of four bacteriocin-producing Enterococcus strains was performed, as well as of a collection of other Enterococci which have not been screened before for antibacterial activity. In the case of the four bacteriocinogenic strains, several amplifications with the expected sizes were obtained with some of the primers.

A particular case represented two strains, one of them being bacteriocin producer, and the second one resistant to the bacteriocin produced by the first one. In this case, in both strains amplifications were obtained with primers specific to one of the immunity protein genes, a fact probably suggesting horizontal gene transfer of the immunity determinants.

Keywords:

• bacteriocins gene clusters
• polymerase chain reaction