Syst Evol Microbiol Research Articles

Proposed revisions of the Statutes of the International Committee of Systematics of Prokaryotes.

The following revisions of the Statutes (Labeda D, Whitman WB. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2015;65:1093-1100) are proposed by the Executive Board of the International Committee of Systematics of Prokaryotes (ICSP) to eliminate some internal inconsistencies and address other issues as discussed below. Comments may be sent to the Secretary of the ICSP, Lenie Dijkshoom at L.Dijkshoom@lumc.nl for distribution to the delegates at the Plenary Meeting in Valencia, Spain, on July 7-9, 2017.

Manual for reporting on zoonoses and zoonotic agents, within the framework of Directive 2003/99/EC, and on some other pathogenic microbiological agents for information deriving from the year 2016

Manual for reporting on zoonoses and zoonotic agents, within the framework of Directive 2003/99/EC, and on some other pathogenic microbiological agents for information deriving from the year 2016

Reply to the Letter to the Editor by Paul O. Sheridan, Sylvia H. Duncan, Alan W. Walker, Karen P. Scott, Petra Louis and Harry J. Flint, referring to our paper 'Reclassification of Eubacterium rectale (Prévot et al. 1967) in a new genus Agathobacter gen. nov., as Agathobacter rectalis comb. nov., within the family Lachnospiraceae, and description of Agathobacter ruminis sp.

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Reclassification of Bacillus isronensisShivaji et al. 2009 as Solibacillus isronensis comb. nov. and emended description of genus Solibacillus Krishnamurthi et al. 2009.

An investigation into the taxonomic position of Bacillus isronensis MTCC 7902T revealed that the strain shares a common phylogenetic lineage with Solibacillus silvestris MTCC 10789T. It displays considerable overlap in phenotypic properties with the genus Solibacillus, including endospore shape and position, oxidase and catalase activities, presence of iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1ω7c alcohol and iso-C17 : 1ω7c as major cellular fatty acids, A4α-type cell-wall peptidoglycan, polar lipids and menaquinone pattern. These features reinforce the findings of molecular phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene, gyrB gene and 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequences and, in line with the recommendations of Kämpfer et al. [Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 56 (2006), 781-786], provide justification for the transfer of Bacillus isronensis from the genus Bacillus to Solibacillus as Solibacillus isronensis comb. nov. The type strain is B3W22T ( = MTCC 7902T = DSM 21046T = JCM 13838T). An emended description of the genus Solibacillus is also provided.

Notification of changes in taxonomic opinion previously published outside the IJSEM

The Bacteriological Code deals with the nomenclature of prokaryotes. This may include existing names (the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names) as well as new names and new combinations. In this sense the Code is also dealing indirectly with taxonomic opinions. However, as with most codes of nomenclature there are no mechanisms for formally recording taxonomic opinions that do not involve the creation of new names or new combinations. In particular, it would be desirable for taxonomic opinions resulting from the creation of synonyms or emended descriptions to be made widely available to the public. In 2004, the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology (IJSEM) agreed unanimously that it was desirable to cover such changes in taxonomic opinions (i.e. the creation of synonyms or the emendation of circumscriptions) previously published outside the IJSEM and to introduce a List of Changes in Taxonomic Opinion [Notification of changes in taxonomic opinion previously published outside the IJSEM; Euzéby et al. (2004). Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 54 , 1429–1430]. Scientists wishing to have changes in taxonomic opinion included in future lists should send one copy of the pertinent reprint or a photocopy or a PDF file thereof to the IJSEM Editorial Office or to the Lists Editor. It must be stressed that the date of proposed taxonomic changes is the date of the original publication not the date of publication of the list. Taxonomic opinions included in the List of Changes in Taxonomic Opinion cannot be considered as validly published nor, in any other way, approved by the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes and its Judicial Commission. The names that are to be used are those that are the ‘correct names’ (in the sense of Principle 6) in the opinion of the bacteriologist, with a given circumscription, position and rank. A particular name, circumscription, position and rank does not have to be adopted in all circumstances. Consequently, the List of Changes in Taxonomic Opinion must be considered as a service to bacteriology and it has no ‘official character’, other than providing a centralized point for registering/indexing such changes in a way that makes them easily accessible to the scientific community. t1

Identification of strains Bacillus aerophilus MTCC 7304T as Bacillus altitudinis and Bacillus stratosphericus MTCC 7305T as a Proteus sp. and the status of the species Bacillus aeriusShivaji et al. 2006. Request for an Opinion.

On the basis of 16S rRNA, rpoB, gyrB and pycA gene sequence analyses, characterization of biochemical features and other phenotypic traits and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) fingerprinting, it was ascertained that strains Bacillus aerius MTCC 7303T, Bacillus aerophilus MTCC 7304(T) and Bacillus stratosphericus MTCC 7305(T) do not conform to the descriptions of the type strains of the respective species. Strains MTCC 7303(T) and MTCC 7304(T) were indistinguishable from Bacillus altitudinis DSM 21631(T), while strain MTCC 7305(T) should be classified as a representative of a Proteus sp. Our attempts to find other deposits of the type strains of these species were unsuccessful. Therefore, the results support the Request for an Opinion on the status of the species Bacillus aerophilus and Bacillus stratosphericus by Branquinho et al. [Branquinho, R., Klein, G., Kämpfer, P. & Peixe, L. V. (2015). Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 65, 1101]. It is also proposed that the Judicial Commission should place the name Bacillus aerius on the list of rejected names if a suitable replacement type strain cannot be found or a neotype is not proposed within two years following the publication of this Request (Rule 18c).

High quality draft genome sequence of Leucobacter chironomi strain MM2LB(T) (DSM 19883(T)) isolated from a Chironomus sp. egg mass.

Leucobacter chironomi strain MM2LBT (Halpern et al., Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 59:665-70 2009) is a Gram-positive, rod shaped, non-motile, aerobic, chemoorganotroph bacterium. L. chironomi belongs to the family Microbacteriaceae, a family within the class Actinobacteria. Strain MM2LBT was isolated from a chironomid (Diptera; Chironomidae) egg mass that was sampled from a waste stabilization pond in northern Israel. In a phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain MM2LBT formed a distinct branch within the radiation encompassing the genus Leucobacter. Here we describe the features of this organism, together with the complete genome sequence and annotation. The DNA GC content is 69.90%. The chromosome length is 2,964,712 bp. It encodes 2,690 proteins and 61 RNA genes. L. chironomi genome is part of the Genomic Encyclopedia of Type Strains, Phase I: the one thousand microbial genomes (KMG) project.

Marine Oil-Degrading Microorganisms and Biodegradation Process of Petroleum Hydrocarbon in Marine Environments: A Review.

Due to the toxicity of petroleum compounds, the increasing accidents of marine oil spills/leakages have had a significant impact on our environment. Recently, different remedial techniques for the treatment of marine petroleum pollution have been proposed, such as bioremediation, controlled burning, skimming, and solidifying. (Hedlund and Staley in Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 51:61-66, 2001). This review introduces an important remedial method for marine oil pollution treatment-bioremediation technique-which is considered as a reliable, efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly method. First, the necessity of bioremediation for marine oil pollution was discussed. Second, this paper discussed the species of oil-degrading microorganisms, degradation pathways and mechanisms, the degradation rate and reaction model, and the factors affecting the degradation. Last, several suggestions for the further research in the field of marine oil spill bioremediation were proposed.

The status of the species Hyphomonas rosenbergii Weiner et al. 2000. Request for an Opinion.

On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and several key phenotypic features, it was ascertained that the culture cited as the type strain of the species Hyphomonas rosenbergii, ATCC 43869(T), does not conform to the description of the species, [Weiner, R. M., Melick, M., O'Neill, K. & Quintero, E. (2000). Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 50, 459-469]. The type strain does not exist in any other established culture collection or with the authors who described this species. Therefore, it cannot be included in any scientific study. It is proposed that the Judicial Commission place the name Hyphomonas rosenbergii on the list of rejected names if a suitable replacement type strain is not found or a neotype is not proposed within two years following the publication of this Request for an Opinion.

Proposal to consistently apply the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes (ICNP) to names of the oxygenic photosynthetic bacteria (cyanobacteria), including those validly published under the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN)/International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants (ICN), and proposal to change Principle 2 of the ICNP.

This taxonomic note was motivated by the recent proposal [Oren & Garrity (2014) Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 64, 309-310] to exclude the oxygenic photosynthetic bacteria (cyanobacteria) from the wording of General Consideration 5 of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes (ICNP), which entails unilateral coverage of these prokaryotes by the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN; formerly the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature, ICBN). On the basis of key viewpoints, approaches and rules in the systematics, taxonomy and nomenclature of prokaryotes it is reciprocally proposed to apply the ICNP to names of cyanobacteria including those validly published under the ICBN/ICN. For this purpose, a change to Principle 2 of the ICNP is proposed to enable validation of cyanobacterial names published under the ICBN/ICN rules.

Reclassification of Gemmobacter changlensis to a new genus as Cereibacter changlensis gen. nov., comb. nov.

We propose a new genus to accommodate the phototrophic bacterium Gemmobacter changlensis [Chen W. M., Cho, N. T., Huang, W. C., Young, C. C. & Sheu, S. Y. (2013) Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 63, 470-478] based on multiple strain analysis. Differences in the major diagnostic properties such as ability to grow phototrophically, the presence of internal photosynthetic membranes, the light harvesting complexes, fatty acids, carotenoids, bacterial chlorophylls, polar lipid composition and some other phenotypic properties warrant the creation of a new genus, designated Cereibacter gen. nov., to accommodate the phototrophic members of the genus Gemmobacter, as represented by the type species Cereibacter changlensis comb. nov.

The first case of pulmonary disease caused by Mycobacterium septicum in China

Mycobacterium septicum is a rapidly growing Mycobacterium (RGM) that rarely causes pulmonary disease globally. We describe a case of M. septicum pulmonary disease, which to our knowledge is the first reported in China. The isolates were identified as M. septicum and were susceptible in vitro to amikacin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, levofloxacin, kanamycin, and sulfamethoxazole.

A Novel Fatty Acid, 12,17‐Dimethyloctadecanoic Acid, from the Extremophile Thermogemmatispora sp. (Strain T81)

The major fatty acids of a novel species of Thermogemmatispora sp. (strain T81) from the phylum Chloroflexi were identified as i18:0 (42.8 % of total fatty acids), i19:0 (9.7 %), and i17:0 (5.9 %). Also observed was a number of unidentified fatty acids, including a major acid (16.3 %) with ECL of 19.04 (BP1), and 18.76 (TG-WAXMS A). GCMS revealed that this compound is a saturated 20-carbon atom fatty acid. (1)H- and (13)C-NMR, with (1)H-(1)H-COSY and (1)H-(13)C-HSQC experiments suggested the structure of dimethyl octadecanoic acid with iso-branching, and an extra middle-chain methyl group. A pyrrolidide derivative demonstrated the characteristic gaps in GCMS indicating methyl branching at C12 and C17, which was eventually confirmed by a (1)H-(13)C-HSQC-TOCSY experiment. This 12,17-dimethyloctadecanoic acid has not been previously detected or described in these organisms. However, a recent description of a phylogenetically related species of Thermogemmatispora (Yabe et al., Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 61:903-910, 2010), noted an unidentified 20:0 fatty acid with matching GC behavior and GCMS data to that of strain T81. These data suggest that Thermogemmatispora share an ability to synthesize the same fatty acid. A number of other dimethyl-branched fatty acids, namely 8,14-diMe 15:0; 12,15-diMe 16:0; 10,15-diMe 16:0; 12,16-diMe 17:0; 10,16-diMe 17:0; 12,17-diMe 18:0; 12,18-diMe 19:0; 14,19-diMe 20:0, were also identified in strain T81.

Anaerobic naphthalene degradation by Gram-positive, iron-reducing bacteria

An anaerobic naphthalene-degrading culture (N49) was enriched with ferric iron as electron acceptor. A closed electron balance indicated the total oxidation of naphthalene to CO(2). In all growing cultures, the concentration of the presumed central metabolite of naphthalene degradation, 2-naphthoic acid, increased concomitantly with growth. The first metabolite of anaerobic methylnaphthalene degradation, naphthyl-2-methyl-succinic acid, was not identified in culture supernatants, which does not support a methylation to methylnaphthalene as the initial activation reaction of naphthalene, but rather a carboxylation, as proposed for other naphthalene-degrading cultures. Substrate utilization tests revealed that the culture was able to grow on 1-methyl-naphthalene, 2-methyl-naphthalene, 1-naphthoic acid or 2-naphthoic acid, whereas it did not grow on 1-naphthol, 2-naphthol, anthracene, phenanthrene, indane and indene. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses revealed that the microbial community of the culture was dominated by one bacterial microorganism, which was closely related (99% 16S sequence similarity) to the major organism in the iron-reducing, benzene-degrading enrichment culture BF [ISME J (2007) 1: 643; Int J Syst Evol Microbiol (2010) 60: 686]. The phylogenetic classification supports a new candidate species and genus of Gram-positive spore-forming iron-reducers that can degrade non-substituted aromatic hydrocarbons. It furthermore indicates that Gram-positive microorganisms might also play an important role in anaerobic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-degradation.

Analysis of the antimicrobial susceptibility of the ionizing radiation-resistant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans: implications for bioremediation of radioactive waste

Deinococcus radiodurans R1 is one of the most resistant bacteria to chronic ionizing radiation ever identified. Therefore, Deinococcus radiodurans shows promise in the bioremediation of mixed radioactive wastes. Nuclear wastes have been demonstrated to host bacteria containing genes for antimicrobial production (Bagwell et al. PloS ONE 3:e3878, 2008; Bai et al. Chem Biol 13:387–397, 2006; Phillips et al. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 52:933–938, 2002), which may represent a constraint on the bioremediation potential of Deinococcus radiodurans. In this context, the aim of this work is to investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility of D. radiodurans through in silico and in vitro approaches. In silico, we initiated our analyses by retrieving genes that are predicted to confer to D. radiodurans resistance to antimicrobials based on the Antibiotic Resistance Genes Database (ARDB), the Rapid Annotations using Subsystems Technology (RAST), and the automatic hierarchical classification of proteins (ProtoNet) servers. Among 19 retrieved sequences of D. radiodurans, six genes were functionally re-annotated as antimicrobial resistance genes, and only two genes were found to possess the radiation/desiccation response motif (RDRM). In vitro, we found that D. radiodurans is sensitive to 40 tested antimicrobials, and it was resistant to one macrolide (spiramycin) and to three quinolones (ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and nalidixic acid). The resistance of D. radiodurans to these quinolones was discussed based on different possibilities. Moreover, in silico analyses indicated that the investigated 19 genes of D. radiodurans from ARDB, RAST, and ProtoNet encode translatable messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) related to resistance to antimicrobials. These data together with the antibiograms of D. radiodurans represent a suggestive evidence that the majority of these genes encode non-functional proteins or belong to inefficient biochemical pathways. The susceptibility of D. radiodurans to these antimicrobials limits its potential for bioremediation of nuclear waste and further genetic engineering is needed depending on the site to be depolluted.

Detection of new Anaplasmataceae in the digestive tract of fish from southeast Asia

The bacteria of the genus Neorickettsia are strict intracellular bacteria of the Anaplasmataceae family. They are transmitted to their definitive host (humans and animals) by ingestion of raw fish, snails or aquatic insects that are parasitised by infected trematodes. Among them, three species (N. sennetsu, N. helminthoeca and N. risticii) are known to cause diseases in mammals (humans and animals) [1] but two have not yet been associated with the disease (SF agent, and Ehrlichia species trout isolate). About 50 million people in the world are infested by food-borne trematodes, predominantly in southeast Asia. Uncooked fish and shellfish consumption is the principal mode of transmission. Fish-borne trematodes in humans are increasing in endemic areas, and are emerging in Europe and America [2]. Globalisation, international travels and new cooking fashions such as eating raw fish ‘Sushi’ and ‘Sashimi’ are likely to lead to new emerging infections caused by Neorickettsia. We studied here the presence of Neorickettsia in fish and fish-based ingredients that are usually consumed uncooked in southeast Asia. A total of 126 fish and 19 ingredients made from uncooked fish were studied. Between January and February 2007, 57 frozen fish and seven ingredients imported from Thailand and Vietnam were bought in the Asian market in Marseille. In March 2007, 69 other fish preserved in 70% ethanol and 12 supplementary ingredients were collected in Cambodia. After dissection of defrosted fish, stomach and intestine were collected for direct examination for parasite by binocular microscope, and then processed for PCR analysis, culture and histology. Found worms were kept in the 70% ethanol for morphological and molecular identification of the 18S gene by using primers P6.F and 18sr2R [3]. Following DNA extraction of the fish digestive tract, DNA of Anaplasmataceae was detected by rrS PCR using primers: Ehr16SD and Ehr16SR [1]. We completed rrS sequences found by using specific primers (Ncs-614F: 5¢-TTG-GTG-TAG-GGG-TGAAAT-CC, Ncs-606R: 5¢-CCC-CTA-CAC-CAA-AAATTC-CA) and non-specific primers (NcsMA-14F: 5¢-GGC-AGA-CGG-GTG-CGT-AAC, Ncs-1321R: 5¢-GAC-GGG-CAG-TGT-GTA-CAA-GA) newly designed respectively by alignment of rrS sequences of three new Anaplasmataceae with Neorickettsia sequences available in GenBank and by alignment of rrS sequence of all Anaplasmataceae available in GenBank. DNA fragment of the citrate synthase gene (gltA) of Anaplasmataceae was identified by using F1 and R1b as previously described [1]. Negative controls consisted of DNA extracted from human colon, uninfected fish and sterile water. DNA of A. phagocytophilum was used as positive control of rrS PCR and N. sennetsu for gltA PCR. We designed new primers CG-442F (5¢-GGC-CCATAC-CCC-ARN-AAT-G) and CG-877R (5¢-GCDAGT-TTT-TGT-CAR-GTN-GA) to confirm the species of positive fishes. The sequence diversity of the rrS gene was used to define a new species when it was at least 3% between bacterial species. The new genus was definite when rrs gene sequence similarities were lower than 97% [4]. We identified 35 worms in six Channa striata imported into Marseille from Thailand. Sequence analysis of the 18S gene showed that all worms were belonging to Neoechinorhynchus pseudemydis species. Three new Anaplasmataceae were detected in three fish by rrS PCR by using Ehr16SD and Ehr16SR primers (Table 1). After completion of the rrS sequences, the Anaplasmataceae from the stomach of Channa striata fish imported from Thailand was identified as a new genus with a Corresponding author and reprint requests: P. Brouqui, URMITE CNRS ⁄ IRD UMR 6236, IFR 48, Universite de la Mediterranee, Faculte de Medecine, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille cedex 5, France E-mail: philippe.brouqui@univmed.fr

Notification of changes in taxonomic opinion previously published outside the IJSEM

The Bacteriological Code deals with the nomenclature of prokaryotes. This may include existing names (the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names) as well as new names and new combinations. In this sense the Code is also dealing indirectly with taxonomic opinions. However, as with most codes of nomenclature there are no mechanisms for formally recording taxonomic opinions that do not involve the creation of new names or new combinations. In particular, it would be desirable for taxonomic opinions resulting from the creation of synonyms or emended descriptions to be made widely available to the public. In 2004, the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology (IJSEM) agreed unanimously that it was desirable to cover such changes in taxonomic opinions (i.e. the creation of synonyms or the emendation of circumscriptions) previously published outside the IJSEM, and to introduce a List of Changes in Taxonomic Opinion [Notification of changes in taxonomic opinion previously published outside the IJSEM; Euzéby et al. (2004). Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 54, 1429-1430]. Scientists wishing to have changes in taxonomic opinion included in future lists should send one copy of the pertinent reprint or a photocopy or a PDF file thereof to the IJSEM Editorial Office or to the Lists Editor. It must be stressed that the date of proposed taxonomic changes is the date of the original publication not the date of publication of the list. Taxonomic opinions included in the List of Changes in Taxonomic Opinion cannot be considered as validly published nor, in any other way, approved by the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes and its Judicial Commission. The names that are to be used are those that are the ‘correct names’ (in the sense of Principle 6) in the opinion of the bacteriologist, with a given circumscription, position and rank. A particular name, circumscription, position and rank does not have to be adopted in all circumstances. Consequently, the List of Changes in Taxonomic Opinion must be considered as a service to bacteriology and it has no ‘official character’, other than providing a centralized point for registering/indexing such changes in a way that makes them easily accessible to the scientific community.

First isolation of Burkholderia tropica from a neonatal patient successfully treated with imipenem

We report the first case of a human Burkholderia tropica infection. The patient was a premature neonate who had necrotizing enterocolitis with bowel perforation requiring surgical intervention. The stoma care and difficulties in feeding were a chronic problem. At the age of almost 4 months he developed septicemia due to B. tropica. Three consecutive blood cultures grew this organism. The organism was cleared from the blood after a course of imipenem and resolution of post-operative ileus. Our case suggests that environmental and plant pathogens can cause human infection especially in those in an immunocompromised condition.

Legitimacy is an essential concept of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes - a major revision of the Code is called for

Tindall [Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 58 (2008), 1979-1986] claimed that the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes (the Code) creates a paradox in the application of the term 'legitimate' in relation to valid publication, that the term is dispensable and that the paradox would be resolved by revising the Code to avoid its use. Although it is not clearly explained in the Code, the concept of legitimacy is central to the proposal of names. Discarding the concept would fundamentally alter the conceptual structure of the Code and obscure significant distinctions in formal nomenclature. The text of the Code itself is not clear and a careful reading suggests that it would be enhanced by a critical overview involving textual revision and restructuring of some sections. The Judicial Commission is asked not to accept Tindall's suggested revision and it is proposed that the Editorial Board of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes re-examine the Code from first principles and make such revisions as will avoid in future the confusion, ambiguities and uncertainties indicated here.

Notification of changes in taxonomic opinion previously published outside the IJSEM

Abstract The Bacteriological Code deals with the nomenclature of prokaryotes. This may include existing names (the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names) as well as new names and new combinations. In this sense the Code is also dealing indirectly with taxonomic opinions. However, as with most codes of nomenclature there are no mechanisms for formally recording taxonomic opinions that do not involve the creation of new names or new combinations. In particular, it would be desirable for taxonomic opinions resulting from the creation of synonyms or emended descriptions to be made widely available to the public. In 2004, the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology (IJSEM) agreed unanimously that it was desirable to cover such changes in taxonomic opinions (i.e. the creation of synonyms or the emendation of circumscriptions) previously published outside the IJSEM, and to introduce a List of Changes in Taxonomic Opinion [Notification of changes in taxonomic opinion previously published outside the IJSEM; Euzéby et al. (2004). Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 54, 1429–1430]. Scientists wishing to have changes in taxonomic opinion included in future lists should send one copy of the pertinent reprint or a photocopy or a PDF file thereof to the IJSEM Editorial Office or to the Lists Editor. It must be stressed that the date of proposed taxonomic changes is the date of the original publication not the date of publication of the list. Taxonomic opinions included in the List of Changes in Taxonomic Opinion cannot be considered as validly published nor, in any other way, approved by the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes and its Judicial Commission. The names that are to be used are those that are the ‘correct names’ (in the sense of Principle 6) in the opinion of the bacteriologist, with a given circumscription, position and rank. A particular name, circumscription, position and rank does not have to be adopted in all circumstances. Consequently, the List of Changes in Taxonomic Opinion must be considered as a service to bacteriology and it has no ‘official character’, other than providing a centralized point for registering/indexing such changes in a way that makes them easily accessible to the scientific community.