This study used SNaPshot minisequencing for species identification within the Lactobacillus plantarum group. A SNaPshot minisequencing assay using dnaK as a target gene was developed, and five SNP primers were designed by analysing the conserved regions of the dnaK sequences. The specificity of the minisequencing assay was evaluated using 35 strains of L. plantarum group species. The results showed that the SNaPshot minisequencing assay was able to unambiguously and simultaneously discriminate strains belonging to the species L. plantarum subsp. plantarum, L. plantarum subsp. argentoratensis, Lactobacillus paraplantarum, Lactobacillus pentosus and Lactobacillus fabifermentans. In conclusion, a rapid, accurate and cost-effective assay was successfully developed for species identification of the members of the L. plantarum group.
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