The status of the species Lactobacillus fornicalis Dicks et al. 2000. Request for an opinion

During a recent study on members of the genus Lactobacillus we realized that cultures of Lactobacillus fornicalis TV 1018T (=DSM 13171T=ATCC 700934T) are no longer available from the online catalogue of the German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH, being displayed as Lactobacillus plantarum at the American Type Culture Collection. Based on data currently available, the organism deposited as ATCC 700934T is a member of the species Lactobacillus plantarum subs. plantarum. Therefore, the type strain of Lactobacillus fornicalis cannot be included in any further scientific comparative study. This matter is referred to the Judicial Commission, asking for an opinion on the status of the species.