subtilis/Bacillus licheniformis by their 16S rRNA gene sequences
(100% similarity). Their identity as B. subtilis (100% similarity) was
confirmed by rpoB gene sequencing. Further typing by rep-PCR
revealed 3 distinct genotypes within the group (Fig. 2b). Three
isolates were classified in Group 2 (10%) and identified as Bacillus
amyloliquefaciens (100%) based on rpoB sequences as 16S rRNA gene
sequencing and API failed to differentiate the identity of the isolates
as B. amyloliquefaciens or B. subtilis. Using API, the isolates in group
3 (7%) were identified as B. cereus. According to 16S rRNA gene
sequencing, these isolates can be identified as B. cereus/Bacillus
anthracis (99% similarity). The isolates were thus considered to be
B. cereus sensu lato. The single Gram positive coccus (ITS Group 5;
Fig. 1b) was identified as Staphylococcus pasteuri (97%) by 16S rRNA
gene sequencing.