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What’s in a name? Fit-for-purpose bacterial nomenclature: meeting report

Summary

Scientists are discovering and renaming bacteria so rapidly that doctors and other professionals sometimes don’t recognize the new names, which can cause confusion in patient care and food safety. This meeting brought together experts to discuss the problem and create better systems for managing these changes. The key finding is that when bacteria get new scientific names, there needs to be better communication with the practical users like clinicians so they stay informed and can provide proper treatment.

Background

Rapid and economical DNA sequencing has revolutionized phylogenomics and led to unprecedented changes in prokaryotic nomenclature and classification. This has created challenges for practical microbiologists in fields like clinical microbiology, food safety, and plant pathology where nomenclature changes can have significant impacts. The need for dialogue between taxonomists, phylogeneticists, and applied microbiologists became apparent.

Objective

To convene representatives from specialist taxonomists, phylogeneticists, and applied microbiologists to discuss the impact of bacterial nomenclature changes on practical microbiology applications. The meeting aimed to address confusion about nomenclature rules, explore alternative classification systems, and develop solutions for mitigating negative impacts of name changes on end-users.

Results

The meeting identified widespread confusion about valid publication status and nomenclature rules among non-taxonomists. Key outcomes included recognition of the need for recommended names for end-users, particularly in clinical microbiology, improved genomic standards for species description, and a framework based on the medical mycology model. The Ad Hoc Committee for Mitigating Changes in Prokaryotic Nomenclature was established.

Conclusion

Collaboration between taxonomists, microbiologists, and industry is essential to balance taxonomic freedom with practical microbiology needs. A recommended name system for end-users, particularly for infectious disease organisms, could mitigate negative impacts while maintaining scientific standards. Implementation of improved genomic guidelines and oversight mechanisms is necessary for future nomenclature decisions.
  • Published in:International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Meeting Report,
  • Source: PMID: 40694390, DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.006844
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