Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of lactic acid bacteria isolated from goat raw milk

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the genetic diversity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from the local goat's milk. A total of 100 raw milk samples were collected from the different Basrah local markets. All the samples were cultured in the De man, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) medium which enhances the growth of lactic acid bacteria. The result of the study showed that the only 64 lactic acid bacteria isolated gave the Gram-positive and catalase-negative were 64 (64%). All the suspected isolates were detected and identified by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 16S rRNA gene and DNA sequencing. The sequencing results showed that 9 strains belong to Lactococcus spp. and 6 strains belong to Lactobacillus spp. and all tested isolates had similarity over 99% with those recorded in the GenBank of The National Centre for Biotechnology.