Nomenclature

There is no official classification of prokaryotes, but the names given to prokaryotes are regulated. The International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria (Bacteriological Code) and its successors contain General Considerations, Principles, Rules and Recommendations which govern the way in which the names of prokaryotes are to be used. The last revision of the Code is the cornerstone of prokaryotic nomenclature.

In 1975, the Bacteriological Code (1975 Revision) introduced a new concept, that of the ☞ valid publication of names of prokaryotes. Since then nomenclature is regulated in prokaryote systematics by an official system of registering (or indexing) via a centralized system those names which may be used in prokaryote taxonomy. The "valid publication (of a name)" is the formal term for registering a name. The ☞ International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria (1990 Revision) states that the name of a taxon is validly published, and therefore has standing in nomenclature, if its proposal is accompanied by a number of ☞ criteria.

The designation of a ☞ nomenclatural type is among these criteria. Much like physics, which has reference points for the meter or the kilogram, biology has the nomenclatural types as the reference points for a taxon. In the cases of the species and subspecies, these reference points are represented by ☞ type strains. Given their central importance, it is crucial that type strains be made available as widely as possible.

The publication of the ☞ Approved Lists of Bacterial Names in 1980 was part of the concept of valid publication, and set a new starting point in prokaryotic nomenclature. This system was unique to the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria (even though virology has followed this principle) and was introduced in 1980 to combat uncertainties in the usage of the c. 40,000 names that had accumulated over the previous c. 200 years. With the introduction of the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names, only 2,000+ names were accepted for transfer into the modern system.

The Bacteriological Code (1990 Revision) and its successors also state that only ☞ correct names are to be used, i.e. based on (1) valid publication, (2) legitimacy, and (3) priority of publication (Principle 6). This does not mean that there is an official classification of bacteria [1], even though there is an official nomenclature. It is indeed important to be aware that taxonomy is not regulated by the code although nomenclature is formally regulated, i.e. there are names validly published as a result of conformity with the Rules of Nomenclature. For instance, the code recognizes a "valid published species name", but the term "validly published species" has no meaning. It is nevertheless being frequently met with in some of the literature. Similarly, the frequently used term "validly described" is meaningless.

"Many microbiologists are not particularly interested in nomenclature and are unaware of or indifferent to the problem they sometimes create" [2]. However, nomenclature is a vital component of systematic bacteriology and it is neither esoteric nor absurd. The ☞ Bacteriological Code (1990 Revision) and its most recent successor, which is the cornerstone of prokaryotic nomenclature, are not always easy to use. In fact, the formal system of naming bacteria appears sometimes tiresome, confusing and even exasperating to the working bacteriologist [3,4]. Accordingly, some bacteriologists are not aware of the Rules [4].

References:

1. SNEATH (P.H.A.) and BRENNER (D.J.): "Official" nomenclature lists. ASM News, 1992, 58, 175.
2. GIBBONS (N.E.): Reference collections of bacteria. - The need and requirements for type and neotype strains. In: R.E. BUCHANAN and N.E. GIBBONS (editors), Bergey’s Manual of Determinative Bacteriology, eighth edition, The Williams & Wilkins Company, Baltimore, 1974, p. 14-17.
3. BOUSFIELD (I.J.): Bacterial nomenclature and its role in systematics. In: M. GOODFELLOW and A.G. O’DONNELL (editors), Handbook of new bacterial systematics, Academic Press, London, 1993, p. 317-338.
4. Arahal DR, Bull CT, Busse HJ, Christensen H, Chuvochina M, Dedysh SN, Fournier PE, Konstantinidis KT, Parker CT, Rossello-Mora R, et al. Guidelines for interpreting the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes and for preparing a Request for an Opinion. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2023; 73:5782.

A variety of resources are provided which assist in reading and comprehending this "List of Prokaryotic Names with Standing in Nomenclature". Users of LPSN are advised to consult these resources in addition to those available at the website of the ICSP, the body that governs the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Information on nomenclature available at LPSN:

• definitions and explanations related to nomenclatural topics in the LPSN glossary
• list of Judicial Opinions issued by the ☞ Judicial Commission (which includes actions such as the ☞ conservation or ☞ rejection of names), together with each associated Request for an Opinion
• list of Requests for an Opinion that are still pending or are superseded by other developments or were withdrawn, including comments by third parties on Requests for an Opinion
• clarification of the role of the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names
• a special page on Cyanobacteria
• B.J. Tindall: Misunderstanding the Bacteriological Code
• J.P. Euzéby & B.J. Tindall: Valid publication of new names or new combinations: making use of the Validation Lists
• P.H.A. Sneath & Don J. Brenner: "Official" Nomenclature Lists

The notes on the pages for the individual taxon names also included many hints on nomenclatural topics. The taxon pages refer to LPSN glossary for clarifying a variety of issues; aspects of nomenclature are among them.

A special aspect of nomenclature is the correct formation of names according to the orthographical rules of ☞ Latin or Greek. Yet another page treats taxonomy and systematics.

A selection of publications on nomenclature (cited in chronological order, without Judicial Opinions and Requests for an Opinion and without publications focussing on the formation of names):

1937

• John-Brooks RS, Breed RS. Actions Taken by the Second International Microbiological Congress in London, 1936, Regarding Bacteriological Nomenclature. J Bacteriol 1937; 33:445-447.

1948

• Buchanan RE, St John-Brooks R, Breed RS. International bacteriological code of nomenclature. J Bacteriol 1948; 55:287-306.

1951

• Editorial Board. Foreword. International Bulletin of Bacteriological Nomenclature and Taxonomy 1951; 1:1-3.
• Breed RS, Cowan ST. The Subcommittees of the International Committees on Bacteriological Nomenclature. International Bulletin of Bacteriological Nomenclature and Taxonomy 1951; 1:45-46.
• Buchanan RE, Breed RS, Cowan ST. Authorization of a Committee on Bacteriological Nomenclature and of a Judicial Commission: An Amendment to the International Bacteriological Code of Nomenclature: Provisions 4 and 5. International Bulletin of Bacteriological Nomenclature and Taxonomy 1951; 1:27-32.
• Buchanan RE, Breed RS, Cowan ST. List of Official Opinions of the Judicial Commission and of Requests for Opinions. International Bulletin of Bacteriological Nomenclature and Taxonomy 1951; 1:21-26.

1963

• Clark WA, Seeliger HPR. Detailed minutes concerning actions taken on Opinions During the Meetings of the Judicial. Commission of the International Committee on Bacteriological Nomenclature at the VIII International Microbiological Congress in Montreal, 1962. International Bulletin of Bacteriological Nomenclature and Taxonomy 1963; 13:23-30.
• Cowan ST. Request of the Virus Subcommittee. International Bulletin of Bacteriological Nomenclature and Taxonomy 1963; 13:171-174.

1966

• Editorial Board. International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology 1966; 16:459-490.
• Editorial Board. Proposed emendations of the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria and Viruses -- with comments. International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology 1966; 16:341-370.

1967

• Clark WA, Seeliger HPR. Judicial Commission of the International Committee on the Nomenclature of Bacteria: First Meeting, July 21, 1966 Academy of Medical Sciences Ulitza Solyanka 14, Moscow, USSR. International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology 1967; 17:59-68.

1969

• Starr MP, Heise H. Regarding nomenclatural types (nomenifers): A proposal for amending Principle 11 and Rule 9 of the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria. International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology 1969; 19:173-181.

1970

• Lessel EF. Judicial Commission of the International Committee on Nomenclature of Bacteria: Minutes of Meeting September 26-27, 1968 Villiers Hall, University of Leicester Leicester, England. International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology 1970; 20:1-8.

1973

• Lapage SP, Sneath PHA, Clark WA, Lessel EF, Seeliger HPR. Proposed Revision of the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology 1973; 23:83-108.

1974

• Lessel EF. Judicial Commission of the International Committee on Systematic Bacteriology. Minutes of Meeting, 29 August 1973. Jerusalem, Israel. Int J Syst Bacteriol 1974; 24:379-380.

1978

• Drafting Committee, Judicial Commission. Proposals to emend the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria. Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 1978; 28:337.
• Stanier RY, Sistrom WR, Hansen TA, Whitton BA, Castenholz RW, Pfennig N, Gorlenko VN, Kondratieva EN, Eimhjellen KE, et al. Proposal to place the nomenclature of the cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) under the rules of the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria. Int J Syst Bacteriol 1978; 28:335-336.
• Young JM, Dye DW, Bradbury JF, Panagopoulos CG, Robbs CF. A proposed nomenclature and classification for plant pathogenic bacteria. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research 1978; 21:153-177.

1979

• Holt JG. INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE ON SYSTEMATIC BACTERIOLOGY, JUDICIAL COMMISSION: Minutes of the meeting, 3 September 1978, Munich, West Germany. Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 1979; 29:267-269.

1980

• Skerman VBD, McGowan V, Sneath PHA. Approved Lists of Bacterial Names. Int J Syst Bacteriol 1980; 30:225-420.

1982

• Wayne LG. Actions of the Judicial Commission of the International Committee on Systematic Bacteriology on requests for opinions published between July 1979 and April 1981. Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 1982; 32:464-465.

1984

• Hill LR, Skerman VBD, Sneath PHA. Corrigenda to the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names edited for the International Committee on Systematic Bacteriology. Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 1984; 34:508-511.
• Wayne LG. Actions of the Judicial Commission of the International Committee on Systematic Bacteriology on requests for opinions published in 1982. Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 1984; 34:272-273.

1985

• Wayne LG. Proposal to Emend the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria: Rules Revision Committee, Judicial Commission, International Committee on Systematic Bacteriology. International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology 1985; 35:123-123.

1986

• Wayne LG. Actions of the Judicial Commission of the International Committee on Systematic Bacteriology on requests for opinions published in 1983 and 1984. Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 1986; 36:357-358.

1987

• Hill LR. International Committee on Systematic Bacteriology XIV International Congress of Microbiology: Minutes of the Meetings, 5, 6, and 9 September 1986, Manchester, United Kingdom. International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology 1987; 37:88-90.
• Jones D. JUDICIAL COMMISSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE ON SYSTEMATIC BACTERIOLOGY: Minutes of the Meeting, 5 September 1986, Manchester, United Kingdom. Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 1987; 37:85-87.

1990

• Macadoo TO. Proposed Revision of Appendix 9, Orthography, of the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria. International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology 1990; 40:103-104.

1991

• Goodfellow M. International Committee on Systematic Bacteriology XVth International Congress of Microbiology: Minutes of the Meetings, 14, 15, and 18 September 1990, Osaka, Japan. International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology 1991; 41:188-189.
• Wayne LG. JUDICIAL COMMISSION: Minutes of the Meeting, 14 September 1990, Osaka, Japan. Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 1991; 41:185-187.

1992

• Lapage SP, Sneath PHA, Lessel EF, Skerman VBD, Seeliger HPR, Clark WA. International code of nomenclature of bacteria (1990 revision). American Society for Microbiology, Washington, 1992.
• Anonymous NN. International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria Bacteriological Code, 1990 Revision. FEMS Microbiology Letters 1992; 94:i-i.
• Moore WEC, Moore LVH. 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 1992). American Society for Microbiology, Washington, 1992.

1993

• Anonymous NN. Bacterial nomenclature up-to-date. FEMS Microbiology Letters 1993; 106:ii-ii.

1994

• Murray RG, Schleifer KH. Taxonomic notes: a proposal for recording the properties of putative taxa of procaryotes. Int J Syst Bacteriol 1994; 44:174-176.
• Trüper HG. Taxonomic notes: Names for the higher taxa and their impact on the Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria. Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 1994; 44:368-369.
• Wayne LG. Actions of the Judicial Commission of the International Committee on Systematic Bacteriology on requests for opinions published between January 1985 and July 1993. Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 1994; 44:177-178.

1995

• Goodfellow M. International Committee on Systematic Bacteriology XVIth International Congress of Microbiology: Minutes of the Meetings, 2, 3, and 5 July 1994, Prague, Czech Republic. International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology 1995; 45:613-615.
• Judicial Commission. Minutes of the Meetings, 2 and 6 July 1994, Prague, Czech Republic. Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 1995; 45:195-196.
• Murray RG, Stackebrandt E. Taxonomic note: implementation of the provisional status Candidatus for incompletely described procaryotes. Int J Syst Bacteriol 1995; 45:186-187.

1997

• Euzéby JP. List of bacterial names with standing in nomenclature: a folder available on the internet. Int J Syst Bacteriol 1997; 47:590-592.
• Labeda DP. International Committee on Systematic Bacteriology VIIth International Congress of Microbiology and Applied Bacteriology: Minutes of the Meetings, 17, 18, and 22 August 1996, Jerusalem, Israel. International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology 1997; 47:597-600.

1998

• Euzéby JP. Necessary corrections according to judicial opinions 16, 48 and 52. Int J Syst Bacteriol 1998; 48:613.
• Euzéby JP. Taxonomic note: necessary correction of specific and subspecific epithets according to Rules 12c and 13b of the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria (1990 Revision). Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 1998; 48:1073-1075.

1999

• Bruckner DA, Colonna P, Bearson BL. Nomenclature for aerobic and facultative bacteria. Clin Infect Dis 1999; 29:713-723.
• Stackebrandt E, Tindall BJ. International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology will become International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology from January 2000. Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 1999; 49:1323.
• Tindall BJ. Proposals to update and make changes to the Bacteriological Code. Int J Syst Bacteriol 1999; 49:1309-1312.
• Tindall BJ. Misunderstanding the Bacteriological Code. Int J Syst Bacteriol 1999; 49:1313-1316.
• Tindall BJ. Proposal to change Rule 18a, Rule 18f and Rule 30 to limit the retroactive consequences of changes accepted by the ICSB. Int J Syst Bacteriol 1999; 49:1321-1322.

2000

• De Vos P, Trüper HG. Judicial Commission of the International Committee on Systematic Bacteriology. IXth International (IUMS) Congress of Bacteriology and Applied Microbiology. Minutes of the meetings, 14, 15 and 18 August 1999, Sydney, Australia. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2000; 50:2239-2244.
• Labeda DP. International Committee on Systematic Bacteriology IXth International (IUMS) Congress of Bacteriology and Applied Microbiology. Minutes of the meetings, 14 and 17 August 1999, Sydney, Australia. Int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol. 2000; 50:2245-2247.
• Schaad NW, Vidaver AK, Lacy GH, Rudolph K, Jones JB. Evaluation of proposed amended names of several pseudomonads and xanthomonads and recommendations. Phytopathology 2000; 90:208-213.
• Young JM. Suggestions for avoiding on-going confusion from the Bacteriological Code. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2000; 50:1687-1689.

2001

• Euzéby JP, Kudo T. Corrigenda to the validation lists. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2001; 51:1933-1938.
• Young JM, Bull CT, De Boer SH, Firrao G, Gardan L, Saddler GE, Stead DE, Takikawa Y. Classification, nomenclature, and plant pathogenic bacteria - a clarification. Phytopathology 2001; 91:617-620.

2002

• Jousimies-Somer H, Summanen P. Recent taxonomic changes and terminology update of clinically significant anaerobic gram-negative bacteria (excluding spirochetes). Clin Infect Dis 2002; 35:S17-S21.
• Kawamura Y. [Current topics on classification and nomenclature of bacteria. 15. Candidatus--the provisional status for prokaryotes that were not yet cultivable]. Kansenshogaku Zasshi 2002; 76:985-987.

2004

• Oren A. A proposal for further integration of the cyanobacteria under the Bacteriological Code. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2004; 54:1895-1902.

2005

• De Vos P, Trüper HG, Tindall BJ. Judicial Commission of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes Xth International (IUMS) Congress of Bacteriology and Applied Microbiology. Minutes of the meetings, 28, 29 and 31 July and 1 August 2002, Paris, France. Int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol. 2005; 55:525-532.
• Hoffmann L. Nomenclature of Cyanophyta/Cyanobacteria: roundtable on the unification of the nomenclature under the Botanical and Bacteriological Codes. Algol Stud 2005; 117:13-29.
• Oren A, Tindall BJ. Nomenclature of the cyanophyta/cyanobacteria/cyanoprokaryotes under the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Algol Stud 2005; 117:39-52.
• Saddler GS. International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes; Xth International (IUMS) Congress of Bacteriology and Applied Microbiology; Minutes of the meetings, 28 and 30 July 2002, Paris, France. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology 2005; 55:533-537.
• Sneath PHA. The preparation of the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2005; 55:2247-2249.

2006

• Tindall BJ, Kämpfer P, Euzéby JP, Oren A. Valid publication of names of prokaryotes according to the rules of nomenclature: past history and current practice. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2006; 56:2715-2720.

2007

• Watson DRW, Young JM. Proposals that the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes establish a public database of validly published names and that the Bacteriological Code be amended to change the prescription for citation of validly published names. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2008; 57:1167-1168.

2008

• Labeda DP, Oren A. International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes XIth International (IUMS) Congress of Bacteriology and Applied Microbiology. Minutes of the meetings, 23, 24, 26 and 28 July 2005, San Francisco, CA, USA. Int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol. 2008; 58:1746-1752.
• Tindall BJ, De Vos P, Trüper HG. Judicial Commission of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes XIth International (IUMS) Congress of Bacteriology and Applied Microbiology. Minutes of the meetings, 23, 24 and 27 July 2005, San Francisco, CA, USA. Int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol. 2008; 58:1737-1745.
• Tindall BJ. Clarifying rule 24a of the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2008; 58:1779-1781.
• Tindall BJ. Rule 15 of the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria: a current source of confusion. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2008; 58:1775-1778.
• Tindall BJ. Confirmation of deposit, but confirmation of what? Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2008; 58:1785-1787.
• Tindall BJ, Garrity GM. Should we alter the way that authorship of a subspecies name that is automatically created under Rule 40d of the Bacteriological Code is cited? Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2008; 58:1991-1992.
• Tindall BJ, Garrity GM. Proposals to clarify how type strains are deposited and made available to the scientific community for the purpose of systematic research. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2008; 58:1987-1990.
• Tindall BJ. Are the concepts of legitimate and illegitimate names necessary under the current International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria? A proposal to make changes to the Code. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2008; 58:1979-1986.
• Young JM. An overview of bacterial nomenclature with special reference to plant pathogens. Syst Appl Microbiol 2008; 31:405-424.
• Young JM, Euzéby JP. Proposed revision of Rule 33c to perpetuate the citation of revived names. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2008; 58:2468-2469.

2009

• Kämpfer P, Tindall BJ. Hans Georg Trüper, life member of the ICSP - an appreciation. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2009; 59:647-648.
• Oren A, Komárek J, Hoffmann L. Nomenclature of the Cyanophyta/Cyanobacteria/Cyanoprokaryotes - what has happened since IAC Luxembourg? Algol Stud 2009; 130:17-26.
• Young JM. Legitimacy is an essential concept of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes – a major revision of the Code is called for. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2009; 59:1252-1257.

2010

• Kämpfer P. Certificates of deposit-a key element of the Bacteriological Code and an indispensable prerequisite for comparative taxonomic research. Report of a case of falsification and a reply to the Letter to the Editor by Tindall (2008). Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2010; 60:475-477.

2011

• International Committee On Systematics Of Prokaryotes. The van Niel International Prize for Studies in Bacterial Systematics, awarded by The University of Queensland Awarded in 2011 to George M. Garrity. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2011; 61:2328-2329.
• Garrity GM, Labeda DP, Oren A. Judicial Commission of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes. XIIth International (IUMS) Congress of Bacteriology and Applied Microbiology. Minutes of the meetings, 3, 4 and 6 August 2008, Istanbul, Turkey. Int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol. 2011; 61:2775-2780.
• Labeda DP, Oren A. International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes XIIth International (IUMS) Congress of Microbiology and Applied Bacteriology. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology 2011; 61:2781-2789.
• Oren A. Cyanobacterial systematics and nomenclature as featured in the International Bulletin of Bacteriological Nomenclature and Taxonomy / International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology / International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2011; 61:10-15.

2013

• Garrity GM, Oren A. Response to Sutcliffe et al.: regarding the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes. Trends Microbiol 2013; 21:53-55.
• The Publications Committee Of The Icsp. Statutes of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2013; 63:4361-4369.
• Sutcliffe IC, Trujillo ME, Whitman WB, Goodfellow M. A call to action for the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes. Trends Microbiol 2013; 21:51-52.

2014

• Oren A. Proposal to modify Rule 10a of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology 2014; 64:3919-3919.
• Oren A, Garrity GM. Proposal to change General Consideration 5 and Principle 2 of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2014; 64:309-310.
• Oren A, Garrity GM, Schink B. Proposal to modify Rule 6, Rule 10a, and Rule 12c of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2014; 64:1452-1453.
• Palinska KA, Surosz W. Taxonomy of cyanobacteria: a contribution to consensus approach. Hydrobiologia 2014; 740:1-11.
• Parte AC. LPSN — List of Prokaryotic names with Standing in Nomenclature. Nucleic Acids Res 2014; 42:D613-D616.
• Stackebrandt E, Smith D, Casaregola S, Varese GC, Verkleij G, Lima N, Bridge P. Deposit of microbial strains in public service collections as part of the publication process to underpin good practice in science. Springerplus 2014; 3:208.

2015

• Gaget V, Welker M, Rippka R, Tandeau de Marsac N. Response to: "Comments on: "A polyphasic approach leading to the revision of the genus Planktothrix (Cyanobacteria) and its type species, P. agardhii, and proposal for integrating the emended valid botanical taxa, as well as three new species, Planktothrix paucivesiculata sp. nov.(ICNP), Planktothrix tepida sp. nov.(ICNP), and Planktothrix serta sp. nov.(ICNP), as genus and species names with nomenclature standing under the ICNP," by V. Gaget, M. Welker, R. Rippka, and N. Tandeau de Marsac, Syst. Appl. Microbiol. (2015), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.syapm.2015.02.004", by A. Oren [Syst. Appl. Microbiol. (2015), doi:10.1016/j.syapm.2015.03.002]. Syst Appl Microbiol 2015; 38:368-370.
• Janda JM. Taxonomic update on proposed nomenclature and classification changes for bacteria of medical importance, 2013-2014. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2015; 83:82-88.
• Labeda D, Whitman WB. Statutes of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes. Subcommittees and the Judicial Commission on Prokaryote Nomenclature of the Bacteriology and Applied Microbiology Division of the IUMS. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology 2015; 65:1093-1100.
• Oren A. Comments on: "A polyphasic approach leading to the revision of the genus Planktothrix (Cyanobacteria) and its type species, P. agardhii, and proposal for integrating the emended valid botanical taxa, as well as three new species, Planktothrix paucivesiculata sp. nov.^ICNP, Planktothrix tepida sp. nov.^ICNP, and Planktothrix serta sp. nov.^ICNP, as genus and species names with nomenclature standing under the ICNP," by V. Gaget, M. Welker, R. Rippka, and N. Tandeau de Marsac, Syst. Appl. Microbiol. (2015), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.syapm.2015.02.004. Syst Appl Microbiol 2015; 38:159-160.
• Oren A, da Costa MS, Garrity GM, Rainey FA, Rossello-Mora R, Schink B, Sutcliffe I, Trujillo ME, Whitman WB. Proposal to include the rank of phylum in the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2015; 65:4284-4287.
• Oren A, Garrity AGM. Proposal to modify Rule 27 of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2015; 65:2342.
• Pinevich AV. 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. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2015; 65:1070-1074.
• Tindall BJ. A commentary on the interpretation of the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2015; 65:2334-2336.
• Tindall BJ. On the valid publication of names and combinations. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology 2015; 65:3226-3227.
• Tindall BJ. Updating Rule 15 of the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2015; 65:2766-2768.

2016

• Janda JM. Taxonomic update on proposed nomenclature and classification changes for bacteria of medical importance, 2015. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2016; 86:123-127.
• Oren A, Garrity GM. The status of the Notes in the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes: proposal to emend General Consideration 6. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2016; 66:3305-3306.
• Tindall BJ. What does Rule 18c of the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria really say? Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2016; 66:3622-3624.
• Tindall BJ. The undesirable retroactive changes to Rule 8 of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2016; 66:4895-4896.
• Tindall BJ. Rule 27 of the International Code of Nomenclature of prokaryotes: the basonym is not enough. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2016; 66:4897-4899.
• Tindall BJ. The relationship of validly published names to legitimate and illegitimate names in the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2016; 66:4905-4906.
• Tindall BJ. Are Rules 20d and 20e of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes superfluous? Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2016; 66:4907-4909.
• Tindall BJ. The wording and examples given in Rule 47a of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes are misleading. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2016; 66:4913-4914.
• Tindall BJ. Redefining homonyms under Rule 51b (4) of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2016; 66:5618-5619.
• Whitman WB. Modest proposals to expand the type material for naming of prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2016; 66:2108-2112.

2017

• Janda JM. Taxonomic update on proposed nomenclature and classification changes for bacteria of medical importance, 2016. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2017; 88:100-105.
• Oren A. Proposal to modify Rule 10a and to delete Recommendation 10a(3) from the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2017; 67:3683-3684.
• Tindall BJ. Clarifying the limitations on Rule 18a and Rule 30 of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2017; 67:505-506.
• Whitman WB. Proposed revisions of the Statutes of the International Committee of Systematics of Prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2017; 67:2070-2072.

2018

• Dijkshoorn L. International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes. Minutes of the meetings, 7, 8 and 9 July 2017, Valencia, Spain. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2018; 68:2104-2110.
• Oren A, Garrity GM. Uncultivated microbes-in need of their own nomenclature? ISME J 2018; 12:309-311.
• Oren A, Garrity GM, Parte AC. Why are so many effectively published names of prokaryotic taxa never validated? Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2018; 68:2125-2129.
• Oren A, Garrity GM. Proposal to emend Rules 50a and 50b of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2018; 68:3371-3376.
• Oren A, Garrity GM. Proposal to modify Rules 27 and 30(3)(b) of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2018; 68:3951-3953.
• Parte AC. LPSN — List of Prokaryotic names with Standing in Nomenclature (bacterio.net), 20 years on. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2018; 68:1825-1829.
• Whitman WB, Oren A, Chuvochina M, da Costa MS, Garrity GM, Rainey FA, Rossello-Mora R, Schink B, Sutcliffe I, Trujillo ME, et al. Proposal of the suffix -ota to denote phyla. Addendum to "Proposal to include the rank of phylum in the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes". Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2018; 68:967-969.
• Winston JE. Twenty-First Century Biological Nomenclature-The Enduring Power of Names. Integr Comp Biol 2018; 58:1122-1131 (from a zoological viewpoint).

2019

• Janda JM. Proposed nomenclature or classification changes for bacteria of medical importance: Taxonomic Update 4. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 94:205-208.
• Munson E, Carroll KC. An Update on the Novel Genera and Species and Revised Taxonomic Status of Bacterial Organisms Described in 2016 and 2017. J Clin Microbiol 2019; 57:e01181-18.
• Oren A. Proposal to modify the Rules of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes to abolish the taxonomic categories Subfamily, Subtribe and Kingdom. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2019; 69:1524-1525.
• Parker CT, Tindall BJ, Garrity GM. International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2019; 69:S1-S111.
• Tindall BJ. Names above the rank of genus; the radical approach. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2019; 69:1833-1834.
• Tindall BJ. An analysis of the term "standing in nomenclature", as used in the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2019; 69:2166-2168.
• Tindall BJ. Comments on minutes of the Subcommittee on the Taxonomy of Chlamydiae and the Subcommittee on the Taxonomy of Rhizobia and Agrobacteria. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2019; 69:2599-2601.
• Tindall BJ. Introducing the concept of the isonym into the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2019; 69:1515-1518.
• Tindall BJ. The name Bradyrhizobiaceae Garrity et al. 2006 contains Nitrobacter Winogradsky 1892 (Approved Lists 1980), the nomenclatural type of the family Nitrobacteraceae Buchanan 1917 (Approved Lists 1980), is illegitimate and proposals to alter the wording of Rule 54 of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes to clarify the fact that the family name Bradyrhizobiaceae Garrity et al. 2006 is replaced by the family name Nitrobacteraceae Buchanan 1917 (Approved Lists 1980) the only correct name. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2019; 69:2609-2611.
• Tindall BJ. Proposed modifications to Rule 40d of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2019; 69:1519-1520.
• Tindall BJ. Rule 29 and combined generic and specific descriptions. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2019; 69:2597-2598.
• Tindall BJ. Clarifying the definition and role of effective publication in the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes with proposals to make changes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2019; 69:2602-2605.
• Tindall BJ. The status of names whose nomenclatural types are based on strains deposited solely for patent purposes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2019; 69:2616-2620.
• Tindall BJ. The role of incorrect citation of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes and subsequent misinterpretation in causing unnecessary nomenclatural confusion. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2019; 69:2621-2625.
• Tindall BJ. Rule 24b of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes and regulating the priority of names and epithets considered to be associated with heterotypic synonyms. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2019; 69:3980-3983.
• Vlachos E. Introducing a new tool to navigate, understand and use International Codes of Nomenclature. PeerJ 2019; 7:e8127 (a study on zoological nomenclature).
• Whitman WB, Bull CT, Busse HJ, Fournier PE, Oren A, Ventura S. Request for revision of the Statutes of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2019; 69:584-593.
• Whitman WB, Sutcliffe IC, Rossello-Mora R. Proposal for changes in the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes: granting priority to Candidatus names. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2019; 69:2174-2175.

2020

• Janda JM. Proposed nomenclature or classification changes for bacteria of medical importance: taxonomic update 5. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 97:115047.
• Murray AE, Freudenstein J, Gribaldo S, Hatzenpichler R, Hugenholtz P, Kampfer P, Konstantinidis KT, Lane CE, Papke RT, Parks DH, et al. Roadmap for naming uncultivated Archaea and Bacteria. Nat Microbiol 2020; 5:987-994.
• Oren A, Garrity GM. Emendation of circumscriptions of taxa in the Lists of Changes in Taxonomic Opinion. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2020; 70:2163-2164.
• Oren A. Three alternative proposals to emend the Rules of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes to resolve the status of the Cyanobacteria in the prokaryotic nomenclature. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2020; 70:4406-4408.
• Oren A, Garrity GM. New combinations, synonymy and emendations can only be proposed based on names that were previously validly published. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2020; 70:4419-4420.
• Parte AC, Sardà Carbasse J, Meier-Kolthoff JP, Reimer LC, Göker M. List of Prokaryotic names with Standing in Nomenclature (LPSN) moves to the DSMZ. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2020; 70:5607-5612.
• Rossello-Mora R, Konstantinidis KT, Sutcliffe I, Whitman W. Opinion: Response to concerns about the use of DNA sequences as types in the nomenclature of prokaryotes. Syst Appl Microbiol 2020; 43:126070.
• Sutcliffe IC, Dijkshoorn L, Whitman WB. Minutes of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes online discussion on the proposed use of gene sequences as type for naming of prokaryotes, and outcome of vote. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2020; 70:4416-4417.
• Sutcliffe IC, Whitman WB. The van Niel International Prize for Studies in Bacterial Systematics, awarded in 2020 to Tanja Woyke. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2020; 70:5594-5595.
• Tindall BJ. Clarification of access regulations to genetic resources that are subject to the sovereign rights of sovereign states and the deposit of nomenclatural types under the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2020; 70:317-320.
• Tindall BJ. Standardised Suffixes in the Nomenclature of the Higher Taxa of Prokaryotes an Aid to Data Mining, Database Administration and Automatic Assignment of Names to Taxonomic Ranks. Curr Microbiol 2020; 77:1135-1138.

2021

• Dijkshoorn L. Minutes of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes. Minutes of the miniplenary meeting, 11 July 2019, Glasgow, Scotland. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2021; 71:4706.
• Göker M. Judicial Commission of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes: Minutes of the Meeting of 4 August 2021. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2021; 71:5045.
• Munson E, Carroll KC. Summary of Novel Bacterial Isolates Derived from Human Clinical Specimens and Nomenclature Revisions Published in 2018 and 2019. J Clin Microbiol 2021; 59:e01309-e01320.
• Oren A, Arahal DR, Rossello-Mora R, Sutcliffe IC, Moore ERB. Preparing a revision of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2021; 71:004598.
• Oren A, Arahal DR, Rossello-Mora R, Sutcliffe IC, Moore ERB. Public discussion on a proposed revision of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2021; 71:4918.
• Oren A, Arahal DR, Rossello-Mora R, Sutcliffe IC, Moore ERB. Emendation of Rules 5b, 8, 15 and 22 of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes to include the rank of phylum. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2021; 71:4851.
• Oren A, Arahal DR, Rossello-Mora R, Sutcliffe IC, Moore ERB. Emendation of General Consideration 5 and Rules 18a, 24a and 30 of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes to resolve the status of the Cyanobacteria in the prokaryotic nomenclature. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2021; 71:4939.
• Oren A, Garrity GM, Moore ERB, Sutcliffe IC, Trujillo ME. The International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology moves to "true continuous publication" at the beginning of 2021: Proposals to emend Rule 24b (2), Note 1 to Rule 27 and Note 2 to Rule 33b of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2021; 71:4732.
• Pallen MJ. The status Candidatus for uncultured taxa of Bacteria and Archaea: SWOT analysis. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2021; 71:5000.
• Rahi P. Regulating access can restrict participation in reporting new species and taxa. Nat Microbiol 2021; 6:1469-1470 (a flawed article).

2022

• Göker M. Judicial Commission of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes: Minutes of the Meeting on 3 March 2022. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2022; 72:5395.
• Göker M. Judicial Commission of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes: Minutes of the Meeting on 27 July 2022. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2022; 72:5583.
• Göker M, Moore ERB, Oren A, Trujillo ME. Status of the SeqCode in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology 2022; 72:5754.
• Hedlund BP, Chuvochina M, Hugenholtz P, Konstantinidis KT, Murray AE, Palmer M, Parks DH, Probst AJ, Reysenbach AL, Rodriguez-R LM, et al. SeqCode: a nomenclatural code for prokaryotes described from sequence data. Nat Microbiol 2022; 7:1702-1708 (the SeqCode is a kind of secession from the ICNP and controversial accordingly).
• Lawhon SD, Burbick CR, Munson E, Zapp A, Thelen E, Villaflor M. Update on Novel Taxa and Revised Taxonomic Status of Bacteria Isolated from Nondomestic Animals Described in 2018 to 2021. J Clin Microbiol 2022; 0:e0142522.
• Lloyd KG, Tahon G. Science depends on nomenclature, but nomenclature is not science. Nature Reviews Microbiology 2022; 20:123-124 (a deeply flawed article).
• Margos G, Wormser GP, Schwartz I, Markowicz M, Henningsson AJ, Lienhard R, Stevenson B, Estrada-Peña A, Sing A, Fingerle V, Göker M. Evidence of taxonomic bias in public databases: The example of the genus Borrelia. Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases 2022;13:101994.
• 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 2022; 50:D801-D807.
• Munson E, Lawhon SD, Burbick CR, Zapp A, Villaflor M, Thelen E. An Update on Novel Taxa and Revised Taxonomic Status of Bacteria Isolated from Domestic Animals Described in 2018 to 2021. J Clin Microbiol 2022; 0:e0028122.
• Oren A, Göker M, Hahnke RL, Moore ERB, Arahal DR, Nielsen P, On SLW, Rosselló-Móra R, Shouche Y, Sutcliffe IC. ICSP response to "Regulating access can restrict participation in reporting new species and taxa". Nat Microbiol 2022; 7:1711-1712.
• Oren A, Göker M, Sutcliffe IC. New Phylum Names Harmonize Prokaryotic Nomenclature. mBio 2022; 13:e01479-22.
• Oren A, Arahal DR, Göker M, Moore ERB, Rossello-Mora R, Sutcliffe IC. Proposals to emend Rules 8, 15, 22, 25a, 30(3)(b), 30(4), 34a, and Appendix 7 of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology 2022; 72:5630.
• 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; 72:5482.
• Palmer M, Sutcliffe I, Venter SN, Hedlund BP. It is time for a new type of type to facilitate naming the microbial world. New Microbes New Infect 2022; 47:100991.
• Panda A, Islam ST, Sharma G. Harmonizing Prokaryotic Nomenclature: Fixing the Fuss over Phylum Name Flipping. mBio 2022; 13:e00970-22 (a deeply flawed article).
• Sharma G, Islam ST, Rahi P, Silby MW, Giovannelli D, Welander PV, Ehling-Schulz M, Chaudhry V, Molloy E, Hertweck C, et al. Reply to Oren et al., "New Phylum Names Harmonize Prokaryotic Nomenclature". mBio 2022; 13:e02323-22 (a deeply flawed article).
• da Silva M, Desmeth P, Venter SN, Shouche Y, Yurkov A. How legislations affect new taxonomic descriptions. Trends in Microbiology 2022; 0:0.
• Sutcliffe IC, Arahal DR, Göker M, Oren A. ICSP response to "Science depends on nomenclature, but nomenclature is not science". Nat Rev Microbiol 2022; 20:249-250.
• Whitman WB, Chuvochina M, Hedlund BP, Hugenholtz P, Konstantinidis KT, Murray AE, Palmer M, Parks DH, Probst AJ, Reysenbach AL, et al. Development of the SeqCode: A proposed nomenclatural code for uncultivated prokaryotes with DNA sequences as type. Syst Appl Microbiol 2022; 45:126305 (the SeqCode is a kind of secession from the ICNP and controversial accordingly).

2023

• Arahal DR, Bull CT, Busse HJ, Christensen H, Chuvochina M, Dedysh SN, Fournier PE, Konstantinidis KT, Parker CT, Rossello-Mora R, et al. Guidelines for interpreting the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes and for preparing a Request for an Opinion. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2023; 73:5782.
• Arahal DR, Göker M, Hahnke RL, Moore ERB, Nielsen P, On S, Aharon O, Rossello-Mora R, Shouche Y, Sutcliffe IC. International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes Frequently Asked Questions. Zenodo 2023; 0:0.
• Carroll KC, Munson E, Butler-Wu SM, Patrick S. Point-Counterpoint: What’s in a Name? Clinical Microbiology Laboratories Should Use Nomenclature Based on Current Taxonomy. J Clin Microbiol 2023; 61:e0173222.
• 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; 73:5650.
• Oren A, Göker M. On requests for validation of names published in electronic material that does not provide a permanent record. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2023; 73:5809.
• Oren A, Arahal DR, Göker M, Moore ERB, Rossello-Mora R, Sutcliffe IC. International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Prokaryotic Code (2022 Revision) Preprint. Zenodo 2023; 0:0.
• Oren A, Arahal DR, Goker M, Moore ERB, Rossello-Mora R, Sutcliffe IC. International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Prokaryotic Code (2022 Revision). Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2023; 73:5585.

The collections of internet links found in the previous versions of LPSN may not be continued as such but the content distributed over pages dedicated to specific topics. Please see the archived version.

Some of the ancient LPSN pages on nomenclature are not going to be moved to the new system. The contained information is either outdated or available via the general search page. The archived versions of these pages are found here:

• Nomenclatural changes validly published in the 1998 issues of the IJSB
• Nomenclatural changes validly published in the 1999 issues of the IJSB
• Nomenclatural changes validly published in the 2000 issues of the IJSEM
• Nomenclatural changes validly published in the 2001 issues of the IJSEM
• Nomenclatural changes validly published in the 2002 issues of the IJSEM
• Nomenclatural changes validly published (or published) in the 2003 issues of the IJSEM
• Nomenclatural changes validly published (or published) in the 2004 issues of the IJSEM
• Nomenclatural changes validly published (or published) in the 2005 issues of the IJSEM
• Nomenclatural changes validly published (or published) in the 2006 issues of the IJSEM
• Nomenclatural changes validly published (or published) in the 2007 issues of the IJSEM
• Nomenclatural changes validly published (or published) in the 2008 issues of the IJSEM
• Nomenclatural changes validly published (or published) in the 2009 issues of the IJSEM
• Nomenclatural changes validly published (or published) in the 2010 issues of the IJSEM
• Nomenclatural changes validly published (or published) in the 2011 issues of the IJSEM
• Nomenclatural changes validly published in the November 2012 issue of the IJSEM
• Nomenclatural changes validly published in the January 2013 issue of the IJSEM
• Nomenclatural changes validly published in the February 2013 issue of the IJSEM
• Nomenclatural changes validly published in the March 2013 issue of the IJSEM
• Nomenclatural changes validly published in the May 2013 issue of the IJSEM
• Nomenclatural changes validly published in the June 2013 issue of the IJSEM
• Nomenclatural changes validly published in the July 2013 issue of the IJSEM
• Other categories and changes covered by the Rules of the Code
• Minor changes since the last full update
• New names and new combinations validly published since January 01, 1998
• Other categories and changes not covered by the Rules of the Code
• Alterations to the Bacteriological Code (1990 Revision)
• List of new combinations
• Conserved names of prokaryotic taxa
• Endangered prokaryotic names
• Risk group classification (prokaryotes): European Community classification
• Note on Lactobacillus casei
• Note on Methanothrix and Methanosaeta
• Rejected names of prokaryotic taxa
• Salmonella nomenclature
• Lists of Changes in Taxonomic Opinion
• Names validly published by announcement in Validation Lists