Ribotyping

Ribotyping covers genetic techniques, such as PCR combined with detection of ribosomal RNA gene polymorphism, for determining and comparing the RNA constitution of organisms and cells. Food laboratories apply ribotyping to identify spoilage and pathogenic bacteria and to trace their origins, producing molecular fingerprints that link isolates from products, equipment, and raw materials. The approach complements other typing methods in outbreak investigation and in verifying the identity and purity of microbial cultures used in food production. Because ribotyping produces distinctive molecular fingerprints, it complements other typing methods in outbreak investigation and culture verification.