The Past and Present State of Bacterial Taxonomy

The Past and Present State of Bacterial Taxonomy

The first classification scheme for bacteria was published in 1773 based on morphological characteristics. One of the unique, broadscope and widely accepted classification scheme was published in 1927 by David Bergey & colleagues is Bergey’s Manual of Determinative Bacteriology.

It provides identification schemes for identifying Bacteria and Archae based on their morphology, differential staining and biochemical tests. Whereas in 1984, a more detailed work was entitled. Bergey’s manual of Systematic Bacteriology provides information on Bacteria and Archaea based on rRNA sequencing. The classification in Bergey’s Manual is accepted by the most microbiologists as the best consensus for prokaryotic taxonomy.

The present classification scheme based on genetic relatedness has more practical value. This is expected to provide greater stability and predictability. It would lead to improved identification schemes, and to aid our understanding of the origin of present day genera and species.