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Request for an Opinion |
1 DSMZ – Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH, Inhoffenstrasse 7b, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany
2 Société de Bactériologie Systématique et Vétérinaire (SBSV) and École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse (ENVT), 23 Chemin des Capelles, BP 87614, 31076 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
Correspondence
B. J. Tindall
email address can be found at
www.dsmz.de
ABSTRACT
Lysobacter enzymogenes subsp. enzymogenes Christensen and Cook 1978
, L. enzymogenes subsp. cookii Christensen 1978 and Streptococcus casseliflavus (Mundt and Graham 1968) Vaughan et al. 1978 were inadvertently omitted from the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names. According to Rule 24a, Note 1, the authors request that these names be considered as included in these Lists.
Rule 24a, Note 1 of the Bacteriological Code (1990 Revision) Lapage et al. (1992) states ‘names validly published* between 1 January 1978 and 1 January 1980 were included in the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names. No further names will be added to the Approved Lists. Those names validly published prior to 1 January 1980 but not included in the Approved Lists have no further standing in nomenclature.’
In 1978, Christensen and Cook (Christensen & Cook, 1978) proposed the genus Lysobacter, with Lysobacter enzymogenes as the type species. On 1 January 1980, the names Lysobacter Christensen and Cook 1978 and L. enzymogenes Christensen and Cook 1978 were included in the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names (Skerman et al., 1980, 1989).
In the same paper, Christensen and Cook also proposed that L. enzymogenes be divided into the following subspecies: L. enzymogenes subsp. enzymogenes Christensen and Cook 1978 and L. enzymogenes subsp. cookii Christensen 1978. These names were published in the July 1978 issue of the International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology which would qualify them for inclusion in the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names (Skerman et al., 1980, 1989). However, the names of these two subspecies were not cited either in the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names (Skerman et al., 1980) or in the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names (Amended Edition) (Skerman et al., 1989). Moore et al. (1985) included both subspecies names in their lists covering names published between 1 January 1980 and 1 January 1985, implying that the names should be considered to be validly published.
Close examination of the paper by Christensen & Cook (1978) indicates that all tables consistently mention only the names L. enzymogenes and L. enzymogenes subsp. cookii, as do the abstract and introduction of the paper. However, in the description of the new taxa, the authors do not provide a description for L. enzymogenes, only descriptions for L. enzymogenes subsp. enzymogenes and L. enzymogenes subsp. cookii. Cross-checking of the written descriptions of the two subspecies and the data contained in the tables strongly suggests that the data listed under L. enzymogenes correspond to the written description of L. enzymogenes subsp. enzymogenes. Although, from a nomenclatural point of view, the creation of the subspecies L. enzymogenes subsp. cookii automatically creates the subspecies L. enzymogenes subsp. enzymogenes (within the species L. enzymogenes), the circumscription of the species L. enzymogenes must include the circumscription of both subspecies. It should also be noted that the type strain of the species L. enzymogenes is automatically the type strain of the subspecies L. enzymogenes subsp. enzymogenes. L. enzymogenes is the designated type species of the genus Lysobacter. In order to preserve nomenclatural stability, we suggest that the Judicial Commission adopt the following course of action. Although the authors do not appear to have provided a separate circumscription of the species L. enzymogenes, the circumscription should be taken as being coincident with that provided for both the subspecies L. enzymogenes subsp. enzymogenes and L. enzymogenes subsp. cookii. The data in the tables under the names L. enzymogenes and L. enzymogenes subsp. cookii should be taken as applying to L. enzymogenes, while the data listed in all tables under L. enzymogenes should be taken as applying to L. enzymogenes subsp. enzymogenes. This ruling would solve the problems of providing appropriate circumscriptions of the species and the corresponding two subspecies, allowing all three names to be treated as being validly published and included on the Approved Lists. The alternative would be to deny this request, but this would call into question the circumscription of the species L. enzymogenes, which may be construed as specifically excluding one of its subspecies. In writing the chapter in the 1st and 2nd editions of Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology, Christensen (1989, 2005) does not refer to the subspecies L. enzymogenes subsp. enzymogenes or L. enzymogenes subsp. cookii and appears to have based the description of the species L. enzymogenes on the properties published for both subspecies by Christensen & Cook (1978).
This issue needs to be dealt with given the fact that a number of novel species within the genus Lysobacter have been described recently (Bae et al., 2005; Lee et al., 2006; Weon et al., 2006). In particular, the DNA G+C contents of the two subspecies L. enzymogenes subsp. enzymogenes and L. enzymogenes subsp. cookii differ by 4 mol% (Christensen & Cook, 1978) and recent work indicates that DNA G+C content may be consistent with 16S rRNA groupings, implying that the taxonomic status of the subspecies L. enzymogenes subsp. cookii may also need to be re-evaluated in the context of more modern methodologies.
A similar problem arises with Streptococcus casseliflavus. In 1968, Mundt and Graham described ‘Streptococcus faecium var. casseliflavus’ (Mundt & Graham, 1968). The abbreviation ‘var.’ was used for variety and, according to the Bacteriological Code (1975 Revision) (Lapage et al., 1976) and to the Bacteriological Code (1990 Revision) (Lapage et al., 1992), variety is a synonym of subspecies. Vaughan et al. (1979) specifically recognize this variety as a subspecies in their paper, at the same designating a type strain, a course of action explicitly mentioned in Rule 16 of the Bacteriological Code.
In examining the genetic relatedness among 25 yellow-pigmented strains of group D streptococci, Vaughan et al. (1979) showed that these strains were divided in two groups (I and II). The DNA of group II strains exhibited a high degree of binding with the DNA of the type strain of ‘S. faecium subsp. casseliflavus’. Three physiological traits were characteristic of group II organisms and Vaughan et al. (1979) proposed that the group II strains constituted a separate and distinct species. The strains placed in this species include the type strain of ‘S. faecium subsp. casseliflavus’. These authors proposed the name Streptococcus casseliflavus (Mundt and Graham 1968) Vaughan et al. 1979 comb. nov. It should be noted that a formal description of this species is not given after the designation of the new combination, but this is mentioned briefly on page 209, by reference to Table 2, as well as the DNA–DNA hybridization data and by reference to a previous publication on the subspecies ‘S. faecium var. casseliflavus’ (Mundt & Graham, 1968). Given the fact that the Approved Lists had not yet been published, it cannot be determined whether Vaughan et al. (1979) would have been aware that the name ‘S. faecium var. casseliflavus’ would not be on those lists. However, given the clear reference to this subspecies and the authors of that name, one may consider that Vaughan et al. (1979) intended to revive a subspecies name as a species name, a course of action covered by Rule 33c of the Bacteriological Code.
The name Streptococcus casseliflavus was published in the July 1979 issue of the International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology, which would qualify it for inclusion in the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names. However, this name did not appear in the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names (Skerman et al., 1980) or in the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names (Amended Edition) (Skerman et al., 1989). Collins et al. (1984) make clear and unambiguous reference to the fact that the name Streptococcus casseliflavus, as proposed by Vaughan et al. (1979), was not included in the printed version of the Approved Lists, but they do not seem to have been aware that Rule 24a, Note 1 would allow this name to be considered as having appeared on the Approved Lists. Given the fact that a type strain had been designated for ‘S. faecium subsp. casseliflavus’, which automatically becomes the type strain of the species S. casseliflavus, and that the properties of the novel species are included in the work of Vaughan et al. (1979) as well as by reference to a previous publication (Mundt & Graham, 1968), this name was validly published and should have been included on the Approved Lists. Moore et al. (1985) make clear reference to the name Streptococcus casseliflavus Vaughan et al. 1979 and to Rule 24a, Note 1, clearly indicating that they also considered the name to have been validly published and included on the Approved Lists. However, this name did not appear in the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names (Amended Edition) (Skerman et al., 1989).
The omission from the Approved Lists of the names L. enzymogenes subsp. enzymogenes, L. enzymogenes subsp. cookii and S. casseliflavus is clearly not in accordance with Rule 24a, Note 1.
The Bacteriological Code (1990 Revision) Lapage et al. (1992) states that no further names will be added to the Approved Lists. However, the wording of Rule 24a, Note 1 is explicit in that it indicates that such names are to be treated as having been included in these Lists. According to Rule 23a Note 4, the Judicial Commission may correct the Approved Lists. Consequently, we request that the Judicial Commission rules that these names are treated as having been included on the Approved Lists and on the amended edition of the Lists.
The correct citations of these names in the Approved Lists must be as follows:
L. enzymogenes subsp. enzymogenes Christensen and Cook 1978
Christensen, P. and F.D. Cook. 1978. International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology 28:367–393. Type strain: ATCC 29487 =DSM 2043 =LMG 8762 =NCIMB 9924
Description: Christensen, P. and F.D. Cook. 1978. Ibid.
L. enzymogenes subsp. cookii Christensen 1978
Christensen, P. and F.D. Cook. 1978. International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology 28:367–393. Type strain: ATCC 29488
Description: Christensen, P. and F.D. Cook. 1978. Ibid.
S. casseliflavus (Mundt and Graham 1968) Vaughan, Riggsby and Mundt 1978
Mundt, J.O. and W.F. Graham. 1968. Journal of Bacteriology 95:2005–2009; Vaughan, D.H., W.S. Riggsby and J.O. Mundt. 1979. International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology 29: 204–212. Type strain: ATCC 25788 =DSM 20680 =NCIMB 11449 =CCM 2478 =CCUG 18657 =LMG 10745 =CIP 103018
Description: Mundt, J.O. and W.F. Graham. 1968. Ibid.
If the Judicial Commission accepts our proposal, the valid publication of S. casseliflavus (Mundt and Graham 1968) Vaughan et al. 1978 will necessitate modifying the date and the authorship of the new combination Enterococcus casseliflavus, validly published in 1984 by Collins et al. (1984). The correct citation will be Enterococcus casseliflavus (Mundt and Graham 1968) Collins et al. 1984 comb. nov. and not Enterococcus casseliflavus (ex Vaughan et al. 1979) Collins et al. 1984 nom. rev., comb. nov.
In listing the collections which hold the nomenclatural types of these names, we have attempted to provide a comprehensive list. This is in contrast to the practice used in the Approved Lists where the ICSB and the various Subcommittees on Taxonomy decided to ‘list only one designation for each strain and preferably that of the American Type Culture Collection, where available’ (Skerman et al., 1980). However, various problems have arisen in the intervening years and we believe it is prudent to document where the nomenclatural types are held as fully as possible.
REFERENCES
Bae, H. S., Im, W. T. & Lee, S. T. (2005). Lysobacter concretionis sp. nov., isolated from anaerobic granules in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 55, 1155–1161.
Christensen, P. (1989). Genus I. Lysobacter Christensen and Cook 1978, 372AL. In Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology, 1st edn, vol. 3, pp. 2083–2089. Edited by J. T. Staley, M. P. Bryant, N. Pfennig & J. G. Holt. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins.
Christensen, P. (2005). Genus IV. Lysobacter Christensen and Cook 1978, 372AL. In Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology, 2nd edn, vol. 2 (The Proteobacteria), part B (The Gammaproteobacteria), pp. 95–101. Edited by D. J. Brenner, N. R. Krieg, J. T. Staley & G. M. Garrity. New York: Springer.
Christensen, P. & Cook, F. D. (1978). Lysobacter, a new genus of nonfruiting, gliding bacteria with a high base ratio. Int J Syst Bacteriol 28, 367–393.
Collins, M. D., Jones, D., Farrow, J. A. E., Kilpper-Bälz, R. & Schleifer, K. H. (1984). Enterococcus avium nom. rev., comb. nov.; E. casseliflavus nom. rev., comb. nov.; E. durans nom. rev., comb. nov.; E. gallinarum comb. nov.; and E. malodoratus sp. nov. Int J Syst Bacteriol 34, 220–223.
Lapage, S. P., Sneath, P. H. A., Lessel, E. F., Skerman, V. B. D., Seeliger, H. P. R. & Clark, W. A. (1976). International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria (1975 Revision). Washington, DC: American Society for Microbiology.
Lapage, S. P., Sneath, P. H. A., Lessel, E. F., Skerman, V. B. D., Seeliger, H. P. R. & Clark, W. A. (editors) (1992). International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria (1990 Revision). Bacteriological Code. Washington, DC: American Society for Microbiology.
Lee, J. W., Im, W. T., Kim, M. K. & Yang, D. C. (2006). Lysobacter koreensis sp. nov., isolated from a ginseng field. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 56, 231–235.
Moore, W. E. C., Cato, E. P. & Moore, L. V. H. (1985). Index of the bacterial and yeast nomenclatural changes published in the International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology since the 1980 Approved Lists of Bacterial Names (1 January 1980 to 1 January 1985). Int J Syst Bacteriol 35, 382–407.
Mundt, J. O. & Graham, W. F. (1968). Streptococcus faecium var. casseliflavus, nov. var. J Bacteriol 95, 2005–2009.
Skerman, V. B. D., McGowan, V. & Sneath, P. H. A. (editors) (1980). Approved Lists of Bacterial Names. Int J Syst Bacteriol 30, 225–420.
Skerman, V. B. D., McGowan, V. & Sneath, P. H. A. (editors) (1989). Approved Lists of Bacterial Names (Amended Edition). Washington, DC: American Society for Microbiology.
Vaughan, D. H., Riggsby, W. S. & Mundt, J. O. (1979). Deoxyribonucleic acid relatedness of strains of yellow-pigmented, group D streptococci. Int J Syst Bacteriol 29, 204–212.
Weon, H.-Y., Kim, B.-Y., Baek, Y.-K., Yoo, S.-H., Kwon, S.-W., Stackebrandt, E. & Go, S.-J. (2006). Two novel species, Lysobacter daejeonensis sp. nov. and Lysobacter yangpyeongensis sp. nov., isolated from Korean greenhouse soils. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 56, 947–951.
This article has been cited by other articles:
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  B. J. Tindall Clarifying Rule 24a of the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, July 1, 2008; 58(7): 1779 - 1781. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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