Rapid differentiation between members of the anginosus group and Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp equisimilis within beta-hemolytic group C and G streptococci by PCR

Based on a pair of primers developed initially for differentiating the anginosus group from other viridans streptococci, the PCR reported here can also differentiate between members of the anginosus group and Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis among beta-hemolytic group C and G streptococci. The resulting 742-bp PCR product was specific for members of the anginosus group, although a smaller, nonspecific product (361 bp) was generated from S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis. Restriction digestion of the amplicon with Xbal and Bsml further differentiated Streptococcus anginosus from Streptococcus constellatus within the anginosus group.