Abstract: A robust, automated computational pipeline was used to design a system comprising a microarray for the identification of microorganisms and their antibiotic resistance profiles. This system and methods will facilitate the study of the epidemiology and microbial ecology of antibiotic resistance and be an invaluable tool to rapidly and simultaneously identify organisms and their antimicrobial resistance elements in environmental, food and clinical samples.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for creating an image of a microarray. The apparatus includes at least one light source configured to direct light toward the microarray. The apparatus includes an excitation filter configured to filter the light into a first frequency band towards dichromatic mirror. The dichromatic mirror reflects light onto the microarray causing the microarray to emit electromagnetic energy. The apparatus includes emission filter configured to filter the electromagnetic energy within a second frequency band. The apparatus further includes an imaging unit having a charged coupled device (CCD), the CCD having an imaging surface masked by a pinhole blind such that when the pinhole blind receives electromagnetic energy from the emission filter, an image is created of the entire microarray.