Biology ETDs

Publication Date

7-18-1978

Abstract

The taxonomy of the genus Haemophilus has been in a state of confusion for many years. As a result, laboratory identification of haemophili has been difficult, if not impossible. Due to the considerable pathogenicity of some members of the genus, it was felt that an accurate method of identification of those organisms was needed. This study has attempted to create a practical identification scheme for haemophili isolated in the clinical laboratory. A collection of 220 isolates from clinical laboratories was subjected to 35 biochemical and physiological tests and the data posted to a random matrix. The 7700 bits (220 X 35) of data were then horizontally and vertically non-randomized to produce a matrix in which the structure of the data would be seen. Thirteen clusters of similar organisms were identified and then the minimal test set required to separate them completely was determined. The results indicate that H. influenzae is a species of considerable heterogenity that can be divided into a number of biotypes. H. aegyptius was found to be more accurately considered a variety of H. influenzae contained in a biotype with other similar organisms. An identification scheme is proposed for use in clinical laboratories using as the primary character indole production instead of haemin requirement.

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Biology

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

UNM Biology Department

First Committee Member (Chair)

Larry L. Barton

Second Committee Member

Eugene Weston Rypka

Third Committee Member

Loris Hughes

Fourth Committee Member

John August Ulrich

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