Development of a quantitative semi-automated system for intestinal morphology assessment in Atlantic salmon, using image analysis

• A novel histological assessment system based upon advanced image analysis, is described
• Such a tool can provide a system for evaluation of the extent of morphological changes occurring in the distal intestine of Atlantic salmon following dietary modulation
• The analytical methodology can be conducted with minimal user-interaction, thus allowing rapid and objective assessment
• The system provided significant correlation to other well-established quantitative approaches
• This approach can provide a viable alternative to a pathologist's manual scoring, being more practical and time-efficient

Virtual histology, the process of assessing digital images of histological slides, is gaining momentum in modern histopathology and digital image acquisition systems are becoming commonplace. Associated image processing and analysis methods can potentially complement traditional histological assessment methodologies.Image analysis of digitised histological sections, can provide a practical means for quantifying and helping interpretation of functional alterations in an objective and reproducible fashion. This study focused on the development of a practical and time-efficient image capture, processing and analysis pipeline, employing advanced image analysis that was able to identify features of salmon intestine histological sections in a quantitative manner. Through standardisation of the sampling and preparation methodologies, staining protocols and digital capture thresholds and techniques, this assessment system has proven to be an efficient, accurate and objective method, having consistent data outputs when the analysis is performed by different observers with varying levels of expertise in histopathological assessment.