Isolates from each yoghurt sample had their own distinct PFGE
profiles (except for group 15), indicating that they are unique forthe yoghurts where they belong to. This might be due to thegeographical separation and the evolution of their population for
that particular niche. As an exception, the homology group 15 was
shared by yoghurt samples TY9, TY10 and TY11, which were taken
from villages located close to each other (data not given). The
highest PFGE profile similarity (95% similarity) was found between
the isolates of yoghurt samples TY5 and TY6 (homology groups 8
and 9), and between the isolates of yoghurt samples TY6 and TY11
(homology groups 10 and 19). Interestingly, the lowest PFGE profile
similarity (71%, between homology groups 11 & 12) was obtained
from isolates that belong to the same yoghurt sample TY7.