Digital Image Analysis of Actinomycetes Colonies as a Potential Aid for Rapid Taxonomic Identification

Abstract

High frequency isolation of actinomycetes poses a challenge for the taxonomists hence simple and rapid identification methods are required. Our work to catalogue biodiversity of actinomycetes of Goa yielded several distinct morphotypes. After their tentative identification, the feasibility to distinguish these using digital image analyses (DIA) was explored. Digital images of wild colony morphotypes were processed using public domain SCION image analysis software. DIA revealed some intricate digital characters. A combination of these with standard morphological and microscopic characters could be potentially useful for preparing a digital identification key of the actinomycetes strains with potential application in rapid taxonomic identification.

Identification of Flagellated or Fimbriated Bacterial Cells using Digital Image Processing Techniques

“…GSI of bacterial and archaeal cells in the natural microbial communities of slightly and extremely saline environments has been proposed [8]. Digital image analysis of actinomycetes colonies as a potential aid for rapid taxonomic identification has been investigated [9]. Characterization of PHB storage in activated sludge extended filamentous bacteria by automated colour image analysis has been examined [10].…”