Abstract
Background: Probiotics are non-pathogenic useful microorganisms having positive effects on the host health.
The aim of the present study was to discriminate Lactobacillus species extracted from traditional dairy products.
Methods: This study was conducted on 26 specimens collected from traditional dairy products in Bukan.
Lactobacillus species were separated and purified employing biochemical tests. Then, the intra/inter-species
diversity was investigated using RAPD-PCR (random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction)
technique.
Results: Polymorphism information content (PIC) value varied between 15.9% and 34.4% with a maximum
value of 34.4% associated with primer 1254. The mean of and Marker index (MI) for the 6 primers was 4.52, in
which the maximum and minimum values belonged to the primers 1254 and OPA-02, respectively. The isolates
were categorized into 4 main clusters according to Jaccard similarity coefficient using UPGMA (unweighted pair
group method with arithmetic means) clustering method. Principle coordinates analysis (PCoA) demonstrated
that the first and second components explained 30.59% and 22.48% of variances, i.e. 53.07% of variances
in total. The results of RAPD marker indicated that the intra-species diversity was greater than inter-species
diversity. The intra-group variance explained 94% of the all variance, while inter-group variance explained only
6% of the all variance. Moreover, the results of analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that the
highest level of discrimination occurred at the 16 groups cut-off point with a similar coefficient of 0.56.
Conclusions: From the results of the present study, it can be concluded that traditional dairy products are
enriched sources of probiotic bacteria which can ensure the health of general population and enhance
their immunoe systems. Moreover, RAPD-PCR is an appropriate method for detection and calssification of
lactobassiluses.