Using ASM (American Society for Microbiology) citation style is essential for researchers and students in the field of microbiology and related sciences. The ASM citation style is used to acknowledge the sources of information and to provide a consistent format for citing references in manuscripts, theses, and other academic works. Here’s a correct example of how to use ASM citation:
In-Text Citation: When referencing a source in the text, the ASM style uses a superscript numeral that corresponds to the reference listed in the reference list. For example:
The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming1 revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections.
Reference List: The reference list is arranged in alphabetical order by author’s last name. Here are a few examples of reference formats in ASM style:
- Journal Article: Fleming A. (1929). On the antibacterial action of cultures of a penicillium, with special reference to their use in the isolation of B. influenzæ. Br J Exp Pathol 10:225-236.
- Book: Luria SE. (1960). The bacterial progeny, 1st ed. Academic Press, Inc., New York, NY.
- Chapter in a Book: Duckworth DH. (1976). Replication of bacteriophage phiX174, p 113-137. In Denhardt DT, Dressler D, Ray DS (ed), The single-stranded DNA phages. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY.
ASM Citation Examples for Different Source Types:
- Journal Article with Multiple Authors: Smith J, Johnson K, Williams P. (2010). The role of biofilms in chronic infections. J Bacteriol 192:1212-1221.
- Book with Multiple Authors: Wilson M, McNab R, Henderson B. (2002). Bacterial disease mechanisms: an introduction to cellular microbiology, 1st ed. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
- Online Resource: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Antibiotic resistance threats in the United States. https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/pdf/threats-report/cdc-ar-threats-report-2022.pdf. Accessed 10 February 2023.
- Conference Presentation: Johnson K. (2022). The impact of climate change on microbial ecosystems. Abstr 22nd Int Conf Microbiol.
When using the ASM citation style, it is essential to consult the current edition of the ASM style manual or the journal’s instructions for authors for specific guidance on citing different types of sources.
In conclusion, the ASM citation style provides a clear and consistent format for acknowledging sources and referencing information in the field of microbiology. By following the guidelines outlined above, researchers and students can ensure that their manuscripts are properly formatted and that credit is given to the original authors of the information.
