A new web server for the rapid identification of microorganisms

Abstract

Small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene sequences are now widely used to identify microbial organisms. However, the public databases now comprise mostly rRNA gene sequences resulting from PCR and cloning of DNA isolated from environmental samples. Most of these sequences are poorly annotated and do not bear proper taxonomic assignments. As a result, this flood of sequences makes routine identifications often very tedious. We propose a new web server for fast and reliable identifications of microbial isolates. It allows retrieving related sequences and their taxonomies, in order to proceed to phylogenetic analyses. This web tool is based on specific databases of cultured species for Bacteria, Archaea and Protozoa. In addition, various data helping the identification procedure can be downloaded. The server also includes online software to automatically display annotated phylogenetic trees. © 2010 Croce O, et al.