Proper scientific writing style is useful when conveying the taxonomy and designated nomenclature of microorganisms. Style provides a standardized way of communicating information.
The following pages review some of the subtleties used in medical microbiology disciplines: bacteriology, mycology, mycobacteriology, virology, parasitology, and molecular. Examples will be provided.4
Of particular interest, when writing procedures or other documents that include a microorganism that has recently undergone a name change, the AMA Manual of Style authors recommend using a qualifier, such as "formerly".5 For example, Bacteroides ureolyticus (formerly Bacteroides corrodens).
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Updated 2022, March 2). Scientific nomenclature. Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/page/scientific-nomenclature5. AMA Manual of Style Committee. (2020). AMA Manual of Style - A Guide for Authors and Editors (11th ed.). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/jama/9780190246556.001.0001
