Automated ribotyping, a rapid typing method for analysis of Erysipelothrix spp. strains.

Automated ribotyping classified 70 Erysipelothrix species strains, previously classified into 14 RAPD patterns and into 63 PFGE patterns, into 27 ribogroups. Twenty-three strains of the 70 analyzed and classified into 13 ribogroups were previously classified into six ribotypes by the traditional ribotyping method. Moreover, automated ribotyping differentiated seven strains that were not differentiated by PFGE.

Lactobacillus fuchuensis sp. nov., isolated from vacuum-packaged refrigerated beef.

Four strains of a hitherto unknown bacterium isolated from vacuum-packaged refrigerated beef were characterized by using phenotypic and phylogenetic methods. The novel strains were Gram-positive, catalase-negative, psychrophilic, rod-shaped bacteria with lactic acid-homofermentative mechanism. Comparative 16S rDNA gene sequencing demonstrated that the unknown strains represent a novel subline within the genus Lactobacillus, close to but distinct from Lactobacillus curvatus and Lactobacillus sakei.

Change in the composition of the microflora on vacuum-packaged beef during chiller storage.

Five fresh beefcut samples were divided into 10 pieces, respectively, vacuum-packaged and stored at 2 degrees C for up to 6 weeks. The average pH values of five pieces from five beef samples were 5.62 +/- 0.

Occurrence of yersiniosis and listeriosis in wild boars in Japan.

From December 1994 to February 1995, 131 wild boars (Sus scrofa leucomysta) living in a mountainous area in Japan were examined for yersiniosis and listeriosis. Of 131 wild boars, 76 (58%) were males and 55 (42%) were females. Four Yersinia spp.

Occurrence of Zoonotic Bacteria in Retail Game Meat in Japan with Special Reference to Erysipelothrix.

From December 1993 to March 1994, a total of 93 wild boar and 30 deer meat samples were purchased from 13 retail shops and examined for the presence of species of Erysipelothrix , Yersinia , Listeria , Salmonella and Campylobacter . Erysipelothrix spp. were isolated from 41 wild boar and 15 deer samples.

Occurrence of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in Retail Raw Pork.

A total of 52 strains of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was isolated from 38 (33.9%) of 112 retail raw pork samples which were purchased in the Tama area of Tokyo, Japan, February to November 1988. These isolates were classified into 14 different serovars: 6 (19.