Aims: To develop a PCR detection method, which could be used for the detection of Paenibacillus macerans in environmental samples or to help the identification of strains suspected to belong to this species.
Methods and results: Primers specific for P. macerans were developed based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence and were evaluated by PCR performed with genomic DNA from other Paenibacillus, other bacteria and DNA from soil as templates. The primers were shown to be specific for P. macerans strains and to amplify a 981-bp amplicon. Vegetative cells of P. macerans LMD 24.10T were tracked in Cerrado soil in 24-h experiments and PCR allowed the detection of 103 introduced cells per gram of dry soil.
Conclusions: This PCR detection method was adequate to assess the presence of P. macerans in Cerrado soil.
Significance and impact of the study: It can also be used after culturing to rapid confirm the identity of isolates suspected to belong to P. macerans.