Use of recA gene sequence analysis for the identification of Staphylococcus equorum strains predominant on dry-cured hams

► Identification differences were observed comparing phenotypic and genotypic data. ► Staphylococcus equorum was the prevalent species identified by molecular methods. ► Reliable identification could be achieved by recA gene sequence comparison. ► Staphylococcus xylosus and S. equorum strains are accurately discriminated by recA sequencing.