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Arahal D, Bisgaard M, Christensen H, Clermont D, Dijkshoorn L, Duim B, Emler S, Figge M, Göker M, Moore ERB, Nemec A, Nørskov-Lauritsen N, Nübel U, On SLW, Vandamme P, Ventosa A. The best of both worlds: a proposal for further integration of Candidatus names into the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2024; 74. [PMID: 38180015 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.006188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The naming of prokaryotes is governed by the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes (ICNP) and partially by the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi and Plants (ICN). Such codes must be able to determine names of taxa in a universal and unambiguous manner, thus serving as a common language across different fields and activities. This unity is undermined when a new code of nomenclature emerges that overlaps in scope with an established, time-tested code and uses the same format of names but assigns different nomenclatural status values to the names. The resulting nomenclatural confusion is not beneficial to the wider scientific community. Such ambiguity is expected to result from the establishment of the 'Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes Described from DNA Sequence Data' ('SeqCode'), which is in general and specific conflict with the ICNP and the ICN. Shortcomings in the interpretation of the ICNP may have exacerbated the incompatibility between the codes. It is reiterated as to why proposals to accept sequences as nomenclatural types of species and subspecies with validly published names, now implemented in the SeqCode, have not been implemented by the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes (ICSP), which oversees the ICNP. The absence of certain regulations from the ICNP for the naming of as yet uncultivated prokaryotes is an acceptable scientific argument, although it does not justify the establishment of a separate code. Moreover, the proposals rejected by the ICSP are unnecessary to adequately regulate the naming of uncultivated prokaryotes. To provide a better service to the wider scientific community, an alternative proposal to emend the ICNP is presented, which would result in Candidatus names being regulated analogously to validly published names. This proposal is fully consistent with previous ICSP decisions, preserves the essential unity of nomenclature and avoids the expected nomenclatural confusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Arahal
- Departamento de Microbiología y Ecología, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Henrik Christensen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Stigbøjlen 4, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Dominique Clermont
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CRBIP, CIP-Collection of Institut Pasteur, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Lenie Dijkshoorn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden / Torensteelaan 68, 3281 MA Numansdorp, Netherlands
| | - Birgitta Duim
- Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CS Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Stefan Emler
- SmartGene Services SARL, EPFL Innovation Park, PSE-C, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marian Figge
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute Uppsalalaan 8 3584 CT, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Markus Göker
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ - German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Inhoffenstrasse 7B, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Edward R B Moore
- Department of Infectious Disease and Culture Collection University of Gothenburg (CCUG), Institute for Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-402 34 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alexandr Nemec
- Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics, National Institute of Public Health, Srobarova 48, 100 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Charles University, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, Prague, V Úvalu 84, 150 06 Prague 5, Czechia
| | | | - Ulrich Nübel
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ - German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Inhoffenstrasse 7B, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- Technical University Braunschweig, Institute of Microbiology, Braunschweig, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Braunschweig-Hannover, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stephen L W On
- Department of Wine, Food and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Agricultural Science, Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Peter Vandamme
- BCCM/LMG, Laboratorium voor Microbiologie, Universiteit Gent (UGent) K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Antonio Ventosa
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sevilla, Sevilla, C/. Prof. Garcia Gonzalez 2, ES-41012 Sevilla, Spain
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Oren A, Chuvochina M. Naming genera after geographical locations. Proposal to emend Appendix 9 of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2023; 73. [PMID: 37163413 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Appendix 9, Section E of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes provides guidelines on how to form adjectival specific and subspecific epithets that reflect the geographical location where the organism was found or studied. It does not mention ways of naming genera after geographical locations. We here propose emendation of Appendix 9 with the recommendations on how to form such names. Comments on the implementation of the current wording of Appendix 9, Section E are also made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aharon Oren
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Maria Chuvochina
- The University of Queensland, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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3
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Oren A, Göker M. Candidatus List. Lists of names of prokaryotic Candidatus phyla. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2023; 73. [PMID: 37159402 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aharon Oren
- The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, 9190401 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Markus Göker
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ - German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Inhoffenstrasse 7B, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
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Oren A. Naming new taxa of prokaryotes in the 21st century. Can J Microbiol 2023; 69:151-157. [PMID: 36852830 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2022-0266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
The nomenclature of prokaryotes is regulated by the rules of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes (ICNP) and is based on the Linnaean binomial system. The current rules of the Code only cover the nomenclature of the cultivated minority. Proposals to incorporate the uncultivated majority of bacteria and archaea under the rules of the Code were recently rejected by the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes. The provisional rank of Candidatus can be used to name uncultivated prokaryotes whose names cannot be validly published under the rules of the ICNP, but their names can now be validated under the Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes Described from Sequence Data (the SeqCode), which was recently established to cover the nomenclature of the uncultivated majority. Metagenomics, single-cell genomics, and high-throughput cultivation techniques have led to a flood of new organisms currently waiting to be named. Automated programs such as GAN and Protologger can assist researchers in naming and describing newly discovered prokaryotes, cultivated as well as uncultivated. However, Latin and Greek skills remain indispensable for proper quality control of names that must meet the standards set by the codes of nomenclature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aharon Oren
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
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Göker M, Oren A. Proposal to include the categories kingdom and domain in the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2023; 73. [PMID: 36749690 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Observations made after introduction of the phylum category into the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes (ICNP) indicate that the addition of a category should usually be conducted before informal names at that rank become widely used. It is thus investigated whether it would be beneficial to add further categories. An extrapolation from the number of names validly published under the ICNP at the distinct principal categories was conducted. This extrapolation indicated that two principal ranks above phylum rank would also harbour validly published names if the according categories were covered by the ICNP. The appropriate categories would be kingdom and domain, regarded as separate principal ranks. The benefit from introducing these ranks is confirmed by analysing the previous taxonomic activity above phylum level and the nomenclatural problems associated with this activity. An etymological examination of the way names of taxa above genus level are formed under distinct codes of nomenclature provides hints for implementing additional categories. According emendations of the ICNP are proposed to include kingdom and domain as a means of further stabilizing prokaryotic nomenclature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Göker
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ - German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Inhoffenstrasse 7B, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Aharon Oren
- The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Institute of Life Sciences, Edmond J. Safra Campus - Givat Ram, 9190401 Jerusalem, Israel
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Oren A. Candidatus List No. 4: Lists of names of prokaryotic Candidatus taxa. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2022; 72. [PMID: 36748458 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aharon Oren
- The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, 9190401 Jerusalem, Israel
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Pallen MJ, Rodriguez-R LM, Alikhan NF. Naming the unnamed: over 65,000 Candidatus names for unnamed Archaea and Bacteria in the Genome Taxonomy Database. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2022; 72. [PMID: 36125864 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Thousands of new bacterial and archaeal species and higher-level taxa are discovered each year through the analysis of genomes and metagenomes. The Genome Taxonomy Database (GTDB) provides hierarchical sequence-based descriptions and classifications for new and as-yet-unnamed taxa. However, bacterial nomenclature, as currently configured, cannot keep up with the need for new well-formed names. Instead, microbiologists have been forced to use hard-to-remember alphanumeric placeholder labels. Here, we exploit an approach to the generation of well-formed arbitrary Latinate names at a scale sufficient to name tens of thousands of unnamed taxa within GTDB. These newly created names represent an important resource for the microbiology community, facilitating communication between bioinformaticians, microbiologists and taxonomists, while populating the emerging landscape of microbial taxonomic and functional discovery with accessible and memorable linguistic labels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Pallen
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, UK.,Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, UK.,School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Luis M Rodriguez-R
- Department of Microbiology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria.,Digital Science Center, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
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Krügel M, Król N, Kempf VAJ, Pfeffer M, Obiegala A. Emerging rodent-associated Bartonella: a threat for human health? Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:113. [PMID: 35361285 PMCID: PMC8969336 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05162-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Species of the genus Bartonella are facultative intracellular alphaproteobacteria with zoonotic potential. Bartonella infections in humans range from mild with unspecific symptoms to life threatening, and can be transmitted via arthropod vectors or through direct contact with infected hosts, although the latter mode of transmission is rare. Among the small mammals that harbour Bartonella spp., rodents are the most speciose group and harbour the highest diversity of these parasites. Human–rodent interactions are not unlikely as many rodent species live in proximity to humans. However, a surprisingly low number of clinical cases of bartonellosis related to rodent-associated Bartonella spp. have thus far been recorded in humans. Methods The main purpose of this review is to determine explanatory factors for this unexpected finding, by taking a closer look at published clinical cases of bartonellosis connected with rodent-associated Bartonella species, some of which have been newly described in recent years. Thus, another focus of this review are these recently proposed species. Conclusions Worldwide, only 24 cases of bartonellosis caused by rodent-associated bartonellae have been reported in humans. Possible reasons for this low number of cases in comparison to the high prevalences of Bartonella in small mammal species are (i) a lack of awareness amongst physicians of Bartonella infections in humans in general, and especially those caused by rodent-associated bartonellae; and (ii) a frequent lack of the sophisticated equipment required for the confirmation of Bartonella infections in laboratories that undertake routine diagnostic testing. As regards recently described Bartonella spp., there are presently 14 rodent-associated Candidatus taxa. In contrast to species which have been taxonomically classified, there is no official process for the review of proposed Candidatus species and their names before they are published. This had led to the use of malformed names that are not based on the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Researchers are thus encouraged to propose Candidatus names to the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes for approval before publishing them, and only to propose new species of Bartonella when the relevant datasets allow them to be clearly differentiated from known species and subspecies. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05162-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Krügel
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nina Król
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Volkhard A J Kempf
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,National Consiliary Laboratory for Bartonella, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anna Obiegala
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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Oren A, Garrity GM. CANDIDATUS LIST No. 3. Lists of names of prokaryotic Candidatus taxa. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2022; 72. [PMID: 35100104 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 125.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aharon Oren
- The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, 9190401 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - George M Garrity
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Biomedical Physical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-4320, USA
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10
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Oren A. Nomenclature of prokaryotic ' Candidatus' taxa: establishing order in the current chaos. New Microbes New Infect 2021; 44:100932. [PMID: 34631108 PMCID: PMC8487987 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2021.100932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the mid-1990s, the category 'Candidatus' was established for putative taxa of as yet uncultivated prokaryotes. The status of 'Candidatus' is not formally included in the rules of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Thus, 'Candidatus' names do not have standing in the nomenclature. Curated annotated lists of 'Candidatus' names (not including phyla) have been published since 2020. By April 2021, about 2700 names of 'Candidatus' taxa had been published. The International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes recently rejected proposals to allow gene sequence data as nomenclatural types. An alternative code for naming uncultivated microorganisms (the 'SeqCode') is now being developed for naming the majority of prokaryotes that are as yet uncultivated. In the opinion of the author, there is no need for such a code, as the existing system, with nomenclature quality control also for 'Candidatus' names, fulfills the needs. Computer programs such as GAN which generates large numbers of correctly formed names from the short lists of Latin and Greek word elements and Protologger that produce descriptions directly from genome sequences will become important in the future for automated naming and description of large numbers of 'Candidatus' taxa from metagenomic and single cell genome data. However, the formation of interesting and meaningful names is encouraged whenever possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Oren
- The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem, Israel
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Meier-Kolthoff JP, Carbasse JS, Peinado-Olarte RL, Göker M. TYGS and LPSN: a database tandem for fast and reliable genome-based classification and nomenclature of prokaryotes. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 50:D801-D807. [PMID: 34634793 PMCID: PMC8728197 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 682] [Impact Index Per Article: 227.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial systematics is heavily influenced by genome-based methods and challenged by an ever increasing number of taxon names and associated sequences in public data repositories. This poses a challenge for database systems, particularly since it is obviously advantageous if such data are based on a globally recognized approach to manage names, such as the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. The amount of data can only be handled if accurate and reliable high-throughput platforms are available that are able to both comply with this demand and to keep track of all changes in an efficient and flexible way. The List of Prokaryotic names with Standing in Nomenclature (LPSN) is an expert-curated authoritative resource for prokaryotic nomenclature and is available at https://lpsn.dsmz.de. The Type (Strain) Genome Server (TYGS) is a high-throughput platform for accurate genome-based taxonomy and is available at https://tygs.dsmz.de. We here present important updates of these two previously introduced, heavily interconnected platforms for taxonomic nomenclature and classification, including new high-level facilities providing access to bioinformatic algorithms, a considerable expansion of the database content, and new ways to easily access the data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan P Meier-Kolthoff
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ - German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Department of Bioinformatics and Databases, Inhoffenstrasse 7B, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Joaquim Sardà Carbasse
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ - German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Department of Bioinformatics and Databases, Inhoffenstrasse 7B, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Rosa L Peinado-Olarte
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ - German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Department of Bioinformatics and Databases, Inhoffenstrasse 7B, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Markus Göker
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ - German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Department of Bioinformatics and Databases, Inhoffenstrasse 7B, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
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Abstract
The status Candidatus was introduced to bacterial taxonomy in the 1990s to accommodate uncultured taxa defined by analyses of DNA sequences. Here I review the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) associated with the status Candidatus in the light of a quarter century of use, twinned with recent developments in bacterial taxonomy and sequence-based taxonomic discovery. Despite ambiguities as to its scope, philosophical objections to its use and practical problems in implementation, the status Candidatus has now been applied to over 1000 taxa and has been widely adopted by journals and databases. Although lacking priority under the International Code for Nomenclature of Prokaryotes, many Candidatus names have already achieved de facto standing in the academic literature and in databases via description of a taxon in a peer-reviewed publication, alongside deposition of a genome sequence and there is a clear path to valid publication of such names on culture. Continued and increased use of Candidatus names provides an alternative to the potential upheaval that might accompany creation of a new additional code of nomenclature and provides a ready solution to the urgent challenge of naming many thousands of newly discovered but uncultured species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Pallen
- University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK.,Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK.,School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
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