Recent changes to bacterial taxonomy

There have been a series of significant changes to bacterial taxonomy following advances in gene sequencing. This had led to many hundreds of changes to bacterial nomenclature (the two part Latinized name). Whilst it can be debated as to the practical significance of many of these changes the pharmaceutical microbiologist needs be aware of the more significant alterations so that he or she can ensure that laboratory procedure reflect contemporary scientific developments (and that when we engage in dialogue with each other we can ensure that we are each talking about the same micro-organisms).

This is the basis of a review article by Tim Sandle looking at changes to bacterial taxonomy. The article has been written for the magazine Micrographia Today. The reference is:

Sandle, T. (2014) Recent changes to bacterial taxonomy, Micrographia Today, 1 (1): 31-36

The current issue can be viewed here: We The Microbiologist

Posted by Tim Sandle