The Big Breakup of Lactobacillus

The Lactobacillus genus contained over 250 species. New DNA-based analytical tools enabled scientists to see that the species historically grouped under Lactobacillus were very genetically diverse and did not adhere to nomenclature conventions. Applying the most current methods, a global group of scientists collaborated to divide this genus into groups of closely related species—which share certain physiological and metabolic properties—under new genus names.