Minimum taxonomic criteria for bacterial genome sequence depositions and announcements

Multiple bioinformatic methods are available to analyse the information encoded within the complete genome sequence of a bacterium and accurately assign its species status or nearest phylogenetic neighbour. However, it is clear that even now in what is the third decade of bacterial genomics, taxonomically incorrect genome sequence depositions are still being made. We outline a simple scheme of bioinformatic analysis and a set of minimum criteria that should be applied to all bacterial genomic data to ensure that they are accurately assigned to the species or genus level prior to database deposition. To illustrate the utility of the bioinformatic workflow, we analysed the recently deposited genome sequence of Lactobacillus acidophilus 30SC and demonstrated that this DNA was in fact derived from a strain of Lactobacillus amylovorus. Using these methods researchers can ensure that the taxonomic accuracy of genome sequence depositions is maintained within the ever increasing nucleic acid datasets.

► Accurate taxonomic placement is essential for bacterial genomes.
► Definition of taxonomic criteria for genome sequence announcements.
► 16S rRNA gene phylogeny is a useful primary analysis of genome classification.
► Phylogenies of two or more protein coding genes brings finer taxonomic resolution.
► The Lactobacillus acidophilus 30SC genome originates from Lactobacillus amylovorus.