TAXONOMIC TERMS

We have been unable to avoid the use of some taxonomic terms in this Manual, and short notes on some of those more commonly used are given below. Those who would like more help or greater detail should consult A Dictionary of Microbial Taxonomy by Cowan (1978).

Accession number. The number allotted to a culture when it is accessioned (accepted) into a permanently established culture collection. Even if the classification (and the name) of the organism changes, the accession number remains the same.

Antibiogram. A record of the sensitivity or resistance of an organism to the different antibiotics listed. It is often an essential part of the bacteriological report made to the clinician who sent the specimen. Sometimes the sensitivity or resistance to particular antibiotics can aid in identification although the possibility of changes during antibiotic therapy should always be remembered. Non-therapeutic substances such as lysozyme or O/129 may also assist in the identification of an organism.

Carboxyphilic; capnophilic. Used to describe an organism whose growth is improved, or made possible, by an increase in the CO2 content of the atmosphere.

Category. Used in taxonomy to indicate RANK in a hierarchical system of classification: genus, species, and so on. Often also used with the ordinary meaning of ‘kind’.

Chemotaxonomy. A term used to describe the chemical nature of the structure and functions of organisms as applied to their taxonomy.