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ToolsPatrick, Sheila, Filkins, Laura, Goker, Markus, Holden, Nicola, Hoskisson, Paul A., Kiepas, Angelika, Meehan, Conor, Pallen, Mark, Pritchard, Leighton, Suchanek, Amanda L., Sutcliffe, Iain, Trujillo, Martha E., Tucker, Nicholas, Turnbull, Jake D. and Butler-Wu, Susan (2025) ‘What’s in a name? Fit-for-purpose bacterial nomenclature’: meeting report. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, 75 (7). ISSN 1466-5026
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Abstract
Rapid and economical DNA sequencing has resulted in a revolution in phylogenomics. The impact of changes in nomenclature can be perceived as an absolute necessity of scientific rigour, coupled with the slight inconvenience of needing to relearn names. In relation to practical aspects of microbiology, for example, infectious disease diagnosis, there may, however, be potential dangers. Historically, prokaryote classification has been based on multiple metabolic, physiological, biochemical and descriptive characteristics combined with the environmental source. Whole-genome sequence data have transformed our ability to determine evolutionary relationships. In addition, metagenomic and metataxonomic sequencing have resulted in the discovery of novel microbes, many of which are yet to be cultured. As a result, occasional name changes and additional prokaryote discoveries have accelerated at an unprecedented pace. Herein is a report of a Microbiology Society supported meeting of representatives of the communities of specialist taxonomists, phylogeneticists and applied microbiologists. Discussion included: recent advances in phylogenomics and the potential impact of nomenclature change on practical microbiology, e.g. plant pathology, food security, industrial microbiology, clinical microbiology and infectious diseases; the need, or lack thereof, for wider consideration and consultation prior to nomenclature change proposals which impact on practical microbiology; the application of the intricate and highly necessary rules of prokaryote nomenclature, which sometimes appear unfathomable to the non-specialist; and genome-based phylogenomics and the relationship with the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. The meeting resulted in the formation of the Ad Hoc Committee for Mitigating Changes in Prokaryotic Nomenclature under the auspices of the International Committee on Systematics for Prokaryotes.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | The authors gratefully acknowledge the Microbiology Society for funding and administering the meeting; Sybren de Hoog (Radboud- CWZ Center of Expertise in Mycology and Foundation Atlas of Clinical Fungi, Netherlands) for presenting the framework of the international Society for Human and Animal Mycology Working Groups on Nomenclature and Fungal Diagnostics (www.atlasclinicalfungi.org); and the participation of Hannah McGregor (National Collection of Type Cultures, UK Health Security Agency) and Edward RB Moore, current chair of the ICSP (Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Gothenburg, Sweden). |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | bacterial nomenclature,food safety,infection diagnostics,infectious disease,phylogenomics,plant pathology,microbiology,ecology, evolution, behavior and systematics,sdg 3 - good health and well-being ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2400/2404 |
| Faculty \ School: | Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School |
| UEA Research Groups: | Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Metabolic Health |
| Related URLs: | |
| Depositing User: | LivePure Connector |
| Date Deposited: | 18 May 2026 10:16 |
| Last Modified: | 18 May 2026 10:16 |
| URI: | https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/103062 |
| DOI: | 10.1099/ijsem.0.006844 |
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