The Application of Computers to the Classification of Streptococci

Abstract

SUMMARY Computers were used for numerical studies as an aid to the classification of streptococci. The results obtained with 75 biochemical and physiological tests of 216 strains were examined by three different computer programmes. Two of these programmes formed clusters in general agreement with the well-established species and also formed three clusters among the viridans-like streptococci. These 3 clusters seem to provide a basis for the recognition of 3 divisions among the streptococci which are at present usually described as lacking adequate distinguishing characters.