Importance of bacterial taxonomy to microbiological diagnosis

Abstract

Although fundamental in Microbiology, bacterial taxonomy or systematics tends to be undervalued by healthcare professionals, leading to blind spots in diagnosis and clinical interpretation. This discipline comprises three pillars: classification, nomenclature, and identification, and has advanced considerably with the integration of molecular and genomic methods, enabling the redefinition of species and the discovery of new pathogens. However, sporadic updates and limited collaboration between taxonomists and healthcare professionals impede the implementation of these advances. Changes in nomenclature may also cause clinical confusion and affect therapeutic decisions if they are not effectively communicated and gradually incorporated into standard practice. Some examples include the reclassification of Enterobacter aerogenes as Klebsiella aerogenes, or the inclusion of Ochrobactrum in the genus Brucella. There are also exceptional taxonomic instances, such as Escherichia coli and Shigella spp., which genetically constitute the same species but are phenotypically distinguishable. Furthermore, the discovery of new pathogens and detection of emerging etiological agents underscore the need for an up-to-date and functional taxonomy. Finally, it is essential that clinical professionals actively engage in taxonomic updates to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatments, using available tools such as databases and specialized journals.