New multiplatform computer program for numerical identification of microorganisms

Abstract

The classification of bacteria by using genomic methods or expensive biochemical-based commercial kits is sometimes beyond the reach of many laboratories that need to perform numerous classifications of unknown bacterial strains in a fast, cheap, and reliable way. A new computer program, Identax, for the computer-assisted identification of microorganisms by using only results obtained from conventional biochemical tests is presented. Identax improves current microbial identification software and provides a multiplatform and userfriendly program. It can be executed from any operating system and can be downloaded without any cost from the Identax website (www.identax.org).