Verification of an algorithm for actin tail detection of subviral particles by comparison with expert validated data

The locomotion of subviral particles of Marburg virus has been shown to be primarily actin based. For this work, a virologist selected 14 subviral particles that show actin tails in fluorescence image sequences. Using the tracked coordinates, examination areas around these subviral particles are defined. The brightness of within the examination area behind the subviral particle is analysed. In addition, the speed of the particle in each frame is calculated to investigate potential correlations between actin activity and particle speed. The results show that actin tracks can be automatically detected and analysed. First hints of a correlation between subviral particle movement and actin activity could be gathered with the presented actin tail quantifier.