Detection, Identification and Characterization of Staphylococci in Street Vend Foods—Characterization of Staphylococcus Isolates

In the present investigation the diversity of the Staphylococcus species in different street vend food samples was studied. A total of 35 staphylococcal food isolates comprising of various species from 14 different street vend food samples were identified and characterized phenotypically. Staphylococcus aureus was found to be the most prevalent species in these foods. A PCR-RFLP analysis based on 16S rRNA gene was used for identification of Staphylococcus species. Isolates showing distinct RFLP pattern for AluI restriction digestion were selected for nucleotide sequence analysis. Phylogenetic tree constructed using the multiple alignments of 16S rRNA gene sequences of isolates showed a hotspot region of 169 bp and the relationship among species was evaluated by bootstrap values generated in phylogenetic analysis. 16S rRNA gene sequences allowed bacterial identification that was reproducible and more accurate than that obtained by phenotypic testing. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis would be helpful in timely and correct identification of pathogens.