The Use of Artificial Intelligence for the Identification of Bacteria

Abstract : A method has been investigated to provide more rapid and more efficient identification of bacteria using artificial intelligence, a process in which a computer can examine a variety bacteria using artificial intelligence, a process in which a computer can examine a variety of facts and devise a solution by comparing the facts with a data base. Incorporated into the data base are the names of 564 species of medically important bacteria with 0-90% positive or negative results of biochemical reactions for the identification of each species. In a rapid search of the data base, the computer selects the three most likely organisms with a likelihood index for each. This application of artificial intelligence eliminates tedious matching with biochemical charts; it can be used by the less skilled technician. Keywords: Bacteria; Identifications; Artificial intelligence; Medical computer applications; Microbiology; Laboratory tests.