University of Houston
Department of Computer Science

AnaEx: An Expert System Solution
to Anaerobic Bacterial Identifications


Abstract

Expert Systems are computer programs that use artificial intelligence to solve problems within a specialized domain that ordinarily requires human expertise. In the clinical laboratory setting, a very important aspect of helping physicians with diagnosis of infections is the identification of microorganisms that are causing these infections. Most outstanding of these infections, are infections caused by anaerobic bacteria. These microorganisms are involved in virtually any type of bacterial infection in humans. They thrive in areas of the body that have low levels of oxygen. Their identification, although very important, is often difficult. This thesis addresses this problem by providing an expert system that takes into consideration various clinical factors about the microorganism, and presents identification as a possible solution.

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