EMENDATION OF THE GENUS FLAVOBACTERIUM AND THE STATUS OF THE GENUS. DEVELOPMENTS AFTER THE 8TH EDITION OF BERGEY'S MANUAL

Abstract

In the 8th edition of Bergey's Manual [25] the genus Flavobacterium remained taxonomically heterogeneous, being divided into two sections. Section I contained six non-motile species with the G+C content of their DNA in the range 30 to 42 mol % (low G+C content strains) and Section II contained six species that were either nonmotile or motile and peritrichous but with G+C contents in the range 63 to 70 mol % (high G+C content strains). Here we describe the general background and sequence of events, culminating in an emended description of the genus [12], in which restriction of Flavobacterium to certain well-described low G+C content species is proposed. The reasons for replacing the current type species F. aquatile, with F. breve will also be discussed. Although only four species conform to the emended description of Flavobacterium at present, other taxa that are candidates for inclusion in the genus will be described as well as the taxonomic problems associated with them; particular reference will be made to Flavobacterium Group IIb [23]. The taxonomic status of the high G+C content strains of Section II will be discussed as will the status of certain taxa, such as Group IIf [23], which are sometimes referred to as Flavobacterium-like.