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How to write virus, species, and other taxa names

The ICTV's recommendation for how to write virus, species and other taxa names. (Updated September 16, 2020)

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  • 4 months ago

    If I am talking about beta/alpha coronaviruses in general, is it one word or two: e.g. 'beta coronaviruses' or 'betacoronaviruses'? (No italics, correct)?

    Would Betacoronavirus only be capitalized when explicitly referring to the genus (i.e. ...the genus Betacoronavirus contains...

  • 4 months ago in reply to aagibson4

    When referring to the genus, the correct usage is to capitalize and italicize the name: "...the genus Betacoronavirus.". 

    For casual reference to the group of viruses, there is no "official" designation of names. In this case, my preference would be a single word: "... betacoronaviruses such as SARS-CoV...".

    Elliot

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  • 4 months ago in reply to aagibson4

    When referring to the genus, the correct usage is to capitalize and italicize the name: "...the genus Betacoronavirus.". 

    For casual reference to the group of viruses, there is no "official" designation of names. In this case, my preference would be a single word: "... betacoronaviruses such as SARS-CoV...".

    Elliot

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