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Evolution of Salmonella nomenclature: a critical note

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Abstract

Salmonellae are widely distributed but nomenclaturally controversial pathogens of both humans and animals. Despite elaborate studies, much still remain to be discovered about these organisms. Although Salmonella nomenclature has proved to be rather complex, in 2005, Salmonella enterica finally gained official approval as the type species of the genus Salmonella. In addition, one other species has been approved and recognised in the genus Salmonella, namely, Salmonella bongori. New serovars (serotypes) are continually being discovered each year and reported in the journal Research in Microbiology. Salmonella serovars and their antigenic formulae are listed in the White–Kauffmann–Le Minor scheme and updated by the World Health Organization’s Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Salmonella at the Pasteur Institute, Paris, France.

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Acknowledgement

The authors thank Dr. Davies Rob (Veterinary Laboratories Agencies-Weybridge, New Haw, Addelstone, UK) and Dr. Fashina Folorunso Oludayo (Production Animal Department, University of Pretoria, South Africa) for their contributions to this work. We also acknowledge Professor Jean P. Euzeby (Société de Bactériologie Systématique et Vétérinaire (SBSV) and Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse (ENVT), 23 Chemin des Capelles, BP 87614, F-31076 Toulouse Cedex 03, France) for allowing us use materials from his work “List of prokaryotic names with standing in Nomenclature”.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria

    M. Agbaje, M. A. Oyekunle & O. E. Ojo

  2. Department of Life Sciences, Assam University, Diphu Campus, Assam, India

    R. H. Begum

  3. Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria

    O. T. Adenubi

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  1. M. Agbaje
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  2. R. H. Begum
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  4. O. E. Ojo
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Correspondence to M. Agbaje.

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Agbaje, M., Begum, R.H., Oyekunle, M.A. et al. Evolution of Salmonella nomenclature: a critical note. Folia Microbiol 56, 497–503 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12223-011-0075-4

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