Analysis of the cell polyamines - cadaverine, putrescine, spermine and spermidine of 11 newly isolated strains of lactic acid bacteria from different regions of West Bulgaria was performed. The obtained data were compared with the physiological and biochemical characteristics of these strains, so that the polyamine analysis could be used as a taxonomic criterion. The results showed that spermidine was the main polyamine in all tested cultures. Spermine and putrescine were found in small quantities in two strains, whereas cadaverine - in none of the studied strains. Spermidine values were high and varied in the different strains and showed good correlation with their physiological and biochemical characteristics. On the basis of the obtained results a conclusion was made that the polyamine analysis can serve as a chemotaxonomic criterion only on the strictly standardised cultivation conditions and in the presence of data-base for qualitative and quantitative composition of the corresponding type cultures.

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