Diversity of gram-positive catalase-negative cocci in sheep bulk tank
milk by comparative 16S rDNA sequence analysis
The species diversity of 192 isolates of a collection of Gram-positive catalase-negative cocci (GPCNC)
from sheep bulk tank milk was investigated using 16S rDNA sequencing. A molecular approach enabled
the identification of 23 species of GPCNC of sanitary and technological importance within theEnterococcus, Streptococcus, Lactococcus, AerococcusandTrichococcusgenera. This is relevant since ovine dairy
products might be a source of commensal and potentially pathogenic or drug resistant GPCNC. Control
strategies are needed in the food chain to optimise food safety and product development.