This study was undertaken to develop PCR primers for the identification and detection of Streptococcus anginosus using species-specific forward and reverse primers. These primers targeted the variable regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA coding gene(rDNA). The primer specificity was tested against 12 S. anginosus strains and 6 different species(10 strains) of oral bacteria. The primer sensitivity was determined by testing serial dilutions of the purified genomic DNA of S. anginosus ATCC 33397T. The data showed that species-specific amplicons were obtained from all the S. anginosus strains tested, but not in the six other species. The PCR could detect as little as 0.4pg of the chromosomal DNA from S. anginosus. This suggests that the PCR primers are highly sensitive and applicable to the detection and identification of S. anginosus.

• Joong-Ki Kook(Department of Oral Biochemistry, and Oral Biology Research Institute College of Dentistry, Chosun University) Corresponding author
• Ji-Sun Cho(Department of Conservative Dentistry, Chosun University)
• So Young Yoo(Department of Oral Biochemistry, Chosun University)
• Hwa-Sook Kim(Department of Oral Biochemistry, Chosun University)
• Ho-Keel Hwang(Department of Conservative Dentistry, Chosun University, Oral Biology Research Institute College of Dentistry, Chosun University)
• Jeong Beom Min(Department of Conservative Dentistry, Chosun University)
• Byunghoon Kim(Engineering Research Institute, Chonnam National University)
• Dong-Heon Baek(Department of Oral Microbiology and Immunology, College of Dentistry, Dankook University)
• Hwan Seon Shin(Department of Oral Biochemistry, Chosun University)