Identification and taxonomy of Enterococci
Garmasheva, I.L.; Kovalenko, N.K.
Mikrobiolohichnyi Zhurnal 72(5): 49-58
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 0201-8462 PMID: 21117297 Document Number: 647884
Enterococci belong to lactic acid bacteria group. Wide distribution and a variety of their properties are of interest for researchers for a long time. Genus Enterococcus is a group of bacteria heterogeneous by their phenotypic characteristics. The review presented the current status of question concerning enterococci taxonomy that has undergone significant changes during the last decades. Microbiologic methods of identification are considered and analyzed. Special attention was given to the problems that may occur during genus identification of enterococci and during differentiation of closely related species. The use of molecular-genetic methods of identification let to overcome disadvantages of phenotypic identification of bacteria genus Enterococcus. The need of the use of molecular methods of identification was shown, basic approaches were listed, their advantages and disadvantages were discussed.