Using average nucleotide identity to improve taxonomic assignments in prokaryotic genomes at the NCBI

Abstract

Average nucleotide identity analysis is a useful tool to verify taxonomic identities in prokaryotic genomes, for both complete and draft assemblies. Using optimum threshold ranges appropriate for different prokaryotic taxa, we have reviewed all prokaryotic genome assemblies in GenBank with regard to their taxonomic identity. We present the methods used to make such comparisons, the current status of GenBank verifications, and recent developments in confirming species assignments in new genome submissions.