Virus nomenclature descending into chaos.

摘要: Taxonomy with its two faces, systematics and nomenclature, is the mother of sciences; we must know what are talking about, that function names. Hence rules nomenclature in biology at large, including virology, aim to promote meaningfulness, reliability stability That why it surprising International Committee on Viruses (ICTV) breaks basic promulgates recently published Revisions Code Virus Classification Nomenclature [6]. It stated Foreword this revision states “is revised occasionally conform accepted virological practice”, Rule 3.9 “Existing names taxa viruses shall be retained whenever feasible”. Nonetheless ICTV then issues edicts (new 3.40) telling all virologists italicize ICTV-approved virus names, capitalize first letter species (e.g. Frangipani mosaic virus). thus insists should stop using informative taxonomy-based non-Latinized binomial system naming frangipani tobamovirus Iris fulva potyvirus), has been increasingly widely used since proposed informally second report [4]. The new orthographic ‘rules’ change, essence, existing conflict other Codes biological hinder proper notation scientific host included (such as fulva) distinction between such geographic [1, 3], contrary currently “accepted practice”. Thus advocates, but nonetheless given no cogent reasons for doing so. Van Regenmortel [9] binomials have by plant virologists, opposed animal he gives details how opinion gauged nor, if true, views former less important than those latter. seems strange can give more compelling reason virology become unique among disciplines returning preLinnaean mononomials, even though they superficially dignified italicization draw attention [10]. Plant who a greater call most working use vernacular binomials, ignored. Furthermore quick glance Bos’s latest textbook [2] shows great value