Notes to News Editors:

The paper was published in the Society for General Microbiology’s Journal Microbiology. Microbiology is one of the world’s leading microbiological journals. For over 50 years it has been publishing high-quality research across the whole spectrum of the subject. The original paper is available on request.

For press enquiries and a pdf copy of the research paper contact Laura Udakis , Tel +44 (0)118 9881843

The Society for General Microbiology is the largest microbiology society in Europe, and has over 5,500 members worldwide. The Society provides a common meeting ground for scientists working in research and in fields with applications in microbiology including medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmaceuticals, industry, agriculture, food, the environment and education.

The Society publishes four distinguished journals of international repute: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, Journal of General Virology, Microbiology and Journal of Medical Microbiology (all monthly). The journals contain high-quality research papers and topical review articles. The online versions are published with the assistance of HighWire Press, with many added features and functions to aid the reader, and can be accessed via www.sgm.ac.uk/pubs.