The detection and identification of microorganisms in natural communities is a great challenge to biologists. Microarray-based genomic technology provides a promising high-throughput alternative to traditional microbial characterization. A novel prototype microarray containing whole genomic DNA, termed community genome array (CGA), was constructed and evaluated. Microarray hybridizations at 55°C using 50% formamide permitted the examined bacteria to be distinguished at the species level, while strain-level differentiation was obtained at hybri...
