ViralPlaque

ViralPlaque automates measurement of viral plaque dimensions from digital images using an ImageJ macro and an integrated machine learning plugin to quantify plaque morphology for determination of infectious titers and characterization of plaque-forming viruses.

Key Features:

• ImageJ macro: Implemented as an open-source ImageJ macro for image-based analysis of plaque assays.
• Machine learning integration: Analysis algorithm integrates a machine learning plugin to adapt to varying experimental conditions.
• Automated plaque detection and measurement: Automatically determines plaque dimensions from digital images.
• Quantitative morphology outputs: Reports plaque morphology and dimensions relevant to replication kinetics and virulence analyses.
• Validation: Demonstrates high correlation between automated and manual measurements.
• Performance: Provides faster processing speed for plaque image analysis.

Scientific Applications:

• Infectious titer determination: Quantifies plaque dimensions used to determine infectious titers from plaque assays.
• Virus characterization: Characterizes prokaryotic and eukaryotic plaque-forming viruses via plaque morphology.
• Replication kinetics and virulence assessment: Uses plaque size and morphology measurements to inform replication kinetics and virulence studies.
• Quantitative plaque assay analysis: Enables quantitative analysis of plaque assays for comparative and reproducible studies.

Methodology:

Implemented as an open-source ImageJ macro that processes digital images to automatically determine plaque dimensions; the analysis algorithm integrates a machine learning plugin and was validated by demonstrating high correlation between automated and manual measurements and faster processing speed.