An assessment of factors characterising the microbiology of Grana Trentino cheese, a Grana-type cheese

In this study, microbiological aspects of Grana Trentino, a variant of Grana Padano cheese, were defined by plate counts, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) PCR genotying, 16S rRNA gene sequencing of bacterial isolates and PCR–denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR–DGGE). Results showed variability in monthly fluctuations of whey culture counts, differences in the diffusion of bacterial genotypes among producers and dairy plant-specific microbial associations. Moreover, the presence of bacteria not previously reported in this cheese type was highlighted, including coagulase-negative staphylococci and Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis-like micro-organisms.