19th Annual Student Research Conference
Science
Development of a Computer Program to Identify Clinically Isolated Yeasts
Maureen D. Gillis
Dr. Jose Herrera and Mr. Clayton L. Dillavou (Research Mentor/Visiting Scholar), Faculty Mentors
A need exists for an easy, interactive, computer yeast key, suitable for small laboratories and the teaching of microbiology. We developed a Java-based program to sort a probability matrix database of 20 carbohydrate assimilation tests and 10 phenotypic characteristics. Results for any or all of thirty identification characteristics are entered, using a simple selection form or numeric data code. The "Mean Of the Probabilities" (MOP) and "Product Of the Probabilities" (POP) for each species in the database are calculated, along with counts of absolute, most probable, indeterminate and least probable passes and absolute fails. Results are sorted by the MOP for display, but can be sorted on other criteria. Yeasts with two or more absolute fails are not included in the analysis display. This program has sufficient flexibility to be used to compile other taxonomic keys from quantitative or semi-quantitative taxonomic data.
Keywords: interactive, computer, yeast key, Java, algorithm, probability matrix, identification, database
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 60-67
Location: OP Lobby and Atrium
Time: 4:15