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16 pages, 2581 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Discrimination and Characterization of Escherichia coli Originating from Clinical Cases of Femoral Head Necrosis in Broilers by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry Confirms Great Heterogeneity of Isolates

by Marina Nees, Michael Hess and Claudia Hess

Microorganisms 2022, 10(7), 1472; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10071472 - 20 Jul 2022

Viewed by 1417

Abstract

Escherichia coli, a major pathogen in poultry production, is involved in femoral head necrosis (FHN) in broiler birds. So far, the characterization and relationship of isolates in context with this disease are mainly based on phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. Previously, an involvement [...] Read more.

Escherichia coli, a major pathogen in poultry production, is involved in femoral head necrosis (FHN) in broiler birds. So far, the characterization and relationship of isolates in context with this disease are mainly based on phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. Previously, an involvement of diverse E. coli isolates was reported. MALDI-TOF MS has been successfully applied investigating the clonality of different bacteria. Therefore, its application to characterize a well-defined selection of E. coli isolates beyond the species level was tested. The isolates were derived from clinical cases of FHN as well as from healthy birds. Reproducibility studies to perform a standardized protocol were done, and LB agar as well as the usage of fresh bacterial cultures proved most appropriate. No distinct clustering in context with the origin of isolates, association with lesions, serotype, or PFGE profile was found. Most of the isolates belonging to phylogroup B2 revealed a characteristic peak shift at 9716 m/z and could be attributed to the same MALDI-TOF MS cluster. The present study confirmed the previously found pheno- and genotypic heterogeneity of E. coli involved in FHN on the proteomic level. The study also highlights the need for standardized protocols when using MALDI-TOF MS for bacterial typing, especially beyond species level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the Identification of Pathogenic Microorganisms)

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7 pages, 245 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Rapid and Accurate Identification of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Directly from Positive Primary MGIT Cultures by MALDI-TOF MS

by Laura Rindi, Vincenzo Puglisi, Iacopo Franconi, Roberta Fais and Antonella Lupetti

Microorganisms 2022, 10(7), 1447; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10071447 - 18 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1701

Abstract

Over the last years, nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have emerged as important human pathogens. Accurate and rapid mycobacterial species identification is needed to successfully diagnose, treat, and manage infections caused by NTM. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, MALDI-TOF MS, was demonstrated to [...] Read more.

Over the last years, nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have emerged as important human pathogens. Accurate and rapid mycobacterial species identification is needed to successfully diagnose, treat, and manage infections caused by NTM. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, MALDI-TOF MS, was demonstrated to effectively identify mycobacteria isolates subcultured from solid or liquid media rather than new positive cultures. The present study aims to develop a new extraction protocol to yield rapid and accurate identification of NTM from primary MGIT cultures by MALDI-TOF MS. A total of 60 positive MGIT broths were examined by the Bruker Biotyper system with Mycobacteria Library v. 2.0 (Bruker Daltonics GmbH & Co. KG., Bremen, Germany). The results were compared with those obtained by the molecular method, line probe assay GenoType Mycobacterium CM/AS/NTM-DR. All samples were concordantly identified by MALDI-TOF MS and the molecular test for all the tested mycobacteria. Fifty-seven (95%) MGIT positive cultures for NTM from clinical samples had a MALDI-TOF MS analysis score S ≥ 1.8. Although a small number of strains and a limited diversity of mycobacterial species were analysed, our results suggest that MALDI-TOF MS could represent a promising routine diagnostic tool for identifying mycobacterial species directly from primary liquid culture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the Identification of Pathogenic Microorganisms)

13 pages, 1390 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rapid Identification of Escherichia coli Colistin-Resistant Strains by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry

by Adriana Calderaro, Mirko Buttrini, Benedetta Farina, Sara Montecchini, Monica Martinelli, Federica Crocamo, Maria Cristina Arcangeletti, Carlo Chezzi and Flora De Conto

Microorganisms 2021, 9(11), 2210; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9112210 - 24 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1974

Abstract

Colistin resistance is one of the major threats for global public health, requiring reliable and rapid susceptibility testing methods. The aim of this study was the evaluation of a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS) peak-based assay to distinguish colistin resistant (colR) from susceptible (colS) [...] Read more.

Colistin resistance is one of the major threats for global public health, requiring reliable and rapid susceptibility testing methods. The aim of this study was the evaluation of a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS) peak-based assay to distinguish colistin resistant (colR) from susceptible (colS) Escherichia coli strains. To this end, a classifying algorithm model (CAM) was developed, testing three different algorithms: Genetic Algorithm (GA), Supervised Neural Network (SNN) and Quick Classifier (QC). Among them, the SNN- and GA-based CAMs showed the best performances: recognition capability (RC) of 100% each one, and cross validation (CV) of 97.62% and 100%, respectively. Even if both algorithms shared similar RC and CV values, the SNN-based CAM was the best performing one, correctly identifying 67/71 (94.4%) of the E. coli strains collected: in point of fact, it correctly identified the greatest number of colS strains (42/43; 97.7%), despite its lower ability in identifying the colR strains (15/18; 83.3%). In conclusion, although broth microdilution remains the gold standard method for testing colistin susceptibility, the CAM represents a useful tool to rapidly screen colR and colS strains in clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the Identification of Pathogenic Microorganisms)

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11 pages, 5531 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Different Storage Media for Identification of Taenia saginata Proglottids Using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry

by Tabea P. Wendel, Maureen Feucherolles, Jacqueline Rehner, Sven Poppert, Jürg Utzinger, Sören L. Becker and Issa Sy

Microorganisms 2021, 9(10), 2006; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9102006 - 22 Sep 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2254

Abstract

Taenia saginata is a helminth that can cause taeniasis in humans and cysticercosis in cattle. A species-specific diagnosis and differentiation from related species (e.g., Taenia solium) is crucial for individual patient management and disease control programs. Diagnostic stool microscopy is limited by [...] Read more.

Taenia saginata is a helminth that can cause taeniasis in humans and cysticercosis in cattle. A species-specific diagnosis and differentiation from related species (e.g., Taenia solium) is crucial for individual patient management and disease control programs. Diagnostic stool microscopy is limited by low sensitivity and does not allow discrimination between T. saginata and T. solium. Molecular diagnostic approaches are not routinely available outside research laboratories. Recently, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) was proposed as a potentially suitable technique for species-specific helminth diagnosis. However, standardized protocols and commercial databases for parasite identification are currently unavailable, and pre-analytical factors have not yet been assessed. The purpose of this study was to employ MALDI-TOF MS for the identification of T. saginata proglottids obtained from a human patient, and to assess the effects of different sample storage media on the technique’s diagnostic accuracy. We generated T. saginata-specific main spectral profiles and added them to an in-house database for MALDI-TOF MS-based diagnosis of different helminths. Based on protein spectra, T. saginata proglottids could be successfully differentiated from other helminths, as well as bacteria and fungi. Additionally, we analyzed T. saginata proglottids stored in (i) LC–MS grade water; (ii) 0.45% sodium chloride; (iii) 70% ethanol; and (iv) 37% formalin after 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 weeks of storage. MALDI-TOF MS correctly identified 97.2–99.7% of samples stored in water, sodium chloride, and ethanol, with log-score values ≥2.5, thus indicating reliable species identification. In contrast, no protein spectra were obtained for samples stored in formalin. We conclude that MALDI-TOF-MS can be successfully employed for the identification of T. saginata, and that water, sodium chloride, and ethanol are equally effective storage solutions for prolonged periods of at least 24 weeks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the Identification of Pathogenic Microorganisms)

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16 pages, 2796 KiB

Open AccessArticle

What Do We See in Spectra?: Assignment of High-Intensity Peaks of Cutibacterium and Staphylococcus Spectra of MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry by Interspecies Comparative Proteogenomics

by Itaru Dekio, Yuki Sugiura, Susumu Hamada-Tsutsumi, Yoshiyuki Murakami, Hiroto Tamura and Makoto Suematsu

Microorganisms 2021, 9(6), 1243; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9061243 - 08 Jun 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2123

Abstract

Matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI–TOF) mass spectrometry is a widely used and reliable technology to identify microbial species and subspecies. The current methodology is based on spectral fingerprinting, analyzing protein peaks, most of which are yet to be characterized. In order to deepen the [...] Read more.

Matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI–TOF) mass spectrometry is a widely used and reliable technology to identify microbial species and subspecies. The current methodology is based on spectral fingerprinting, analyzing protein peaks, most of which are yet to be characterized. In order to deepen the understanding of these peaks and to develop a more reasonable identification workflow, we applied proteogenomic approaches to assign the high-intensity peaks of MALDI–TOF spectra of two bacterial genera. First, the 3–22 kD proteomes of 5 Cutibacterium strains were profiled by UPLC–MS/MS, and the amino acid sequences were refined by referring to their genome in the public database. Then, the sequences were converted to m/z (x-axis) values based on their molecular masses. When the interspecies comparison of calculated m/z values was well-fitted to the observed peaks, the peak assignments for the five Cutibacterium species were confirmed. Second, the peak assignments for six Staphylococcus species were performed by using the above result for Cutibacterium and referring to ribosomal subunit proteins coded on the S10-spc-alpha operon (the S10-GERMS method), a previous proteomics report by Becher et al., and comprehensive genome analysis. We successfully assigned 13 out of 15 peaks for the Cutibacterium species and 11 out of 13 peaks for the Staphylococcus species. DNA-binding protein HU, the CsbD-like protein, and 50S ribosomal protein L7/L12 were observed in common. The commonality suggests they consist of high-intensity peaks in the MALDI spectra of other bacterial species. Our workflow may lead to the development of a more accurate species identification database of MALDI–TOF mass spectrometry based on genome data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the Identification of Pathogenic Microorganisms)

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14 pages, 3172 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Discrimination of Bacillus cereus Group Members by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry

by Viviana Manzulli, Valeria Rondinone, Alessandro Buchicchio, Luigina Serrecchia, Dora Cipolletta, Antonio Fasanella, Antonio Parisi, Laura Difato, Michela Iatarola, Angela Aceti, Elena Poppa, Francesco Tolve, Lorenzo Pace, Fiorenza Petruzzi, Ines Della Rovere, Donato Antonio Raele, Laura Del Sambro, Luigi Giangrossi and Domenico Galante

Microorganisms 2021, 9(6), 1202; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9061202 - 02 Jun 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3602

Abstract

Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time Of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) technology is currently increasingly used in diagnostic laboratories as a cost effective, rapid and reliable routine technique for the identification and typing of microorganisms. In this study, we used MALDI-TOF MS to analyze [...] Read more.

Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time Of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) technology is currently increasingly used in diagnostic laboratories as a cost effective, rapid and reliable routine technique for the identification and typing of microorganisms. In this study, we used MALDI-TOF MS to analyze a collection of 160 strains belonging to the Bacillus cereus group (57 B. anthracis, 49 B. cereus, 1 B. mycoides, 18 B. wiedmannii, 27 B. thuringiensis, 7 B. toyonensis and 1 B. weihenstephanensis) and to detect specific biomarkers which would allow an unequivocal identification. The Main Spectra Profiles (MSPs) were added to an in-house reference library, expanding the current commercial library which does not include B. toyonensis and B. wiedmannii mass spectra. The obtained mass spectra were statistically compared by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) that revealed seven different clusters. Moreover, for the identification purpose, were generated dedicate algorithms for a rapid and automatic detection of characteristic ion peaks after the mass spectra acquisition. The presence of specific biomarkers can be used to differentiate strains within the B. cereus group and to make a reliable identification of Bacillus anthracis, etiologic agent of anthrax, which is the most pathogenic and feared bacterium of the group. This could offer a critical time advantage for the diagnosis and for the clinical management of human anthrax even in case of bioterror attacks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the Identification of Pathogenic Microorganisms)

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16 pages, 6077 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale: MALDI-TOF MS and Whole Genome Sequencing Confirm That Serotypes K, L and M Deviate from Well-Known Reference Strains and Numerous Field Isolates

by Merima Alispahic, Lukas Endler, Michael Hess and Claudia Hess

Microorganisms 2021, 9(5), 1006; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9051006 - 07 May 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2409

Abstract

Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale is one of the most important bacterial agents of respiratory diseases in poultry. For correct identification and characterization of this fastidious bacterium, reliable diagnostic tools are essential. Still, phenotypic tests are used to identify O. rhinotracheale and serotyping is the most [...] Read more.

Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale is one of the most important bacterial agents of respiratory diseases in poultry. For correct identification and characterization of this fastidious bacterium, reliable diagnostic tools are essential. Still, phenotypic tests are used to identify O. rhinotracheale and serotyping is the most common method for characterization, despite known drawbacks and disadvantages such as divergent results, cross-reactivity between strains, or the non-typeability of strains. The intention of the present study was to evaluate MALDI-TOF MS and whole genome sequencing for the identification and characterization of O. rhinotracheale. For this purpose, a selection of 59 well-defined reference strains and 47 field strains derived from outbreaks on Austrian turkey farms were investigated by MALDI-TOF MS. The field strains originated from different geographical areas in Austria with some of the isolates derived from multiple outbreaks on farms within a year, or recurrent outbreaks over several years. MALDI-TOF MS proved a suitable method for identification of O. rhinotracheale to genus or species level except for 3 strains representing serotypes M, K and F. Phylogenetic analysis showed that most strains grouped within one cluster even though they were comprised of different serotypes, while serotypes F, K, and M clearly formed a different cluster. All field isolates from turkey farms clustered together, independent of the origin of the isolates, e.g., geographical area, multiple outbreaks within a year or recurrent outbreaks over several years. Whole genome sequencing of serotype M, K and F strains confirmed the extraordinary status and deviation from known fully-sequenced strains due to a lack of sequence similarity. This was further confirmed by alignments of single genes (16S-RNA and rpoB) and multilocus sequence typing although the demarcation was less obvious. Altogether, the results indicate that these three serotypes belong to a different species than O. rhinotracheale, and might even be members of multiple new species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the Identification of Pathogenic Microorganisms)

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13 pages, 50336 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Classification of Salmonella enterica of the (Para-)Typhoid Fever Group by Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy

by Miriam Cordovana, Norman Mauder, Markus Kostrzewa, Andreas Wille, Sandra Rojak, Ralf Matthias Hagen, Simone Ambretti, Stefano Pongolini, Laura Soliani, Ulrik S. Justesen, Hanne M. Holt, Olivier Join-Lambert, Simon Le Hello, Michel Auzou, Alida C. Veloo, Jürgen May, Hagen Frickmann and Denise Dekker

Microorganisms 2021, 9(4), 853; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9040853 - 15 Apr 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4078

Abstract

Typhoidal and para-typhoidal Salmonella are major causes of bacteraemia in resource-limited countries. Diagnostic alternatives to laborious and resource-demanding serotyping are essential. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIRS) is a rapidly developing and simple bacterial typing technology. In this study, we assessed the discriminatory power [...] Read more.

Typhoidal and para-typhoidal Salmonella are major causes of bacteraemia in resource-limited countries. Diagnostic alternatives to laborious and resource-demanding serotyping are essential. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIRS) is a rapidly developing and simple bacterial typing technology. In this study, we assessed the discriminatory power of the FTIRS-based IR Biotyper (Bruker Daltonik GmbH, Bremen, Germany), for the rapid and reliable identification of biochemically confirmed typhoid and paratyphoid fever-associated Salmonella isolates. In total, 359 isolates, comprising 30 S. Typhi, 23 S. Paratyphi A, 23 S. Paratyphi B, and 7 S. Paratyphi C, respectively and other phylogenetically closely related Salmonella serovars belonging to the serogroups O:2, O:4, O:7 and O:9 were tested. The strains were derived from clinical, environmental and food samples collected at different European sites. Applying artificial neural networks, specific automated classifiers were built to discriminate typhoidal serovars from non-typhoidal serovars within each of the four serogroups. The accuracy of the classifiers was 99.9%, 87.0%, 99.5% and 99.0% for Salmonella Typhi, Salmonella Paratyphi A, B and Salmonella Paratyphi C, respectively. The IR Biotyper is a promising tool for fast and reliable detection of typhoidal Salmonella. Hence, IR biotyping may serve as a suitable alternative to conventional approaches for surveillance and diagnostic purposes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the Identification of Pathogenic Microorganisms)

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12 pages, 2325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rapid Classification of Clostridioides difficile Strains Using MALDI-TOF MS Peak-Based Assay in Comparison with PCR-Ribotyping

by Adriana Calderaro, Mirko Buttrini, Monica Martinelli, Benedetta Farina, Tiziano Moro, Sara Montecchini, Maria Cristina Arcangeletti, Carlo Chezzi and Flora De Conto

Microorganisms 2021, 9(3), 661; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9030661 - 23 Mar 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2873

Abstract

Typing methods are needed for epidemiological tracking of new emerging and hypervirulent strains because of the growing incidence, severity and mortality of Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI). The aim of this study was the evaluation of a typing Matrix-Assisted Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry [...] Read more.

Typing methods are needed for epidemiological tracking of new emerging and hypervirulent strains because of the growing incidence, severity and mortality of Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI). The aim of this study was the evaluation of a typing Matrix-Assisted Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS (T-MALDI)) method for the rapid classification of the circulating C. difficile strains in comparison with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-ribotyping results. Among 95 C. difficile strains, 10 ribotypes (PR1–PR10) were identified by PCR-ribotyping. In particular, 93.7% of the isolates (89/95) were grouped in five ribotypes (PR1–PR5). For T-MALDI, two classifying algorithm models (CAM) were tested: the first CAM involved all 10 ribotypes whereas the second one only the PR1–PR5 ribotypes. Better performance was obtained using the second CAM: recognition capability of 100%, cross-validation of 96.6% and agreement of 98.4% (60 correctly typed strains, limited to PR1–PR5 classification, out of 61 examined strains) with PCR-ribotyping results. T-MALDI seems to represent an alternative to PCR-ribotyping in terms of reproducibility, set up time and costs, as well as a useful tool in epidemiological investigation for the detection of C. difficile clusters (either among CAM included ribotypes or out-of-CAM ribotypes) involved in outbreaks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the Identification of Pathogenic Microorganisms)

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Review

Jump to: Research

11 pages, 984 KiB

Open AccessReview

Current Scenario and Challenges in the Direct Identification of Microorganisms Using MALDI TOF MS

by Sang-Soo Han, Young-Su Jeong and Sun-Kyung Choi

Microorganisms 2021, 9(9), 1917; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9091917 - 09 Sep 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 7160

Abstract

MALDI TOF MS-based microbial identification significantly lowers the operational costs because of minimal requirements of substrates and reagents for extraction. Therefore, it has been widely used in varied applications such as clinical, food, military, and ecological research. However, the MALDI TOF MS method [...] Read more.

MALDI TOF MS-based microbial identification significantly lowers the operational costs because of minimal requirements of substrates and reagents for extraction. Therefore, it has been widely used in varied applications such as clinical, food, military, and ecological research. However, the MALDI TOF MS method is laced with many challenges including its limitation of the reference spectrum. This review briefly introduces the background of MALDI TOF MS technology, including sample preparation and workflow. We have primarily discussed the application of MALDI TOF MS in the identification of microorganisms. Furthermore, we have discussed the current trends for bioaerosol detection using MALDI TOF MS and the limitations and challenges involved, and finally the approaches to overcome these challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the Identification of Pathogenic Microorganisms)

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16 pages, 342 KiB

Open AccessReview

Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) Analysis for the Identification of Pathogenic Microorganisms: A Review

by Xin-Fei Chen, Xin Hou, Meng Xiao, Li Zhang, Jing-Wei Cheng, Meng-Lan Zhou, Jing-Jing Huang, Jing-Jia Zhang, Ying-Chun Xu and Po-Ren Hsueh

Microorganisms 2021, 9(7), 1536; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9071536 - 19 Jul 2021

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 6069

Abstract

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been used in the field of clinical microbiology since 2010. Compared with the traditional technique of biochemical identification, MALDI-TOF MS has many advantages, including convenience, speed, accuracy, and low cost. The accuracy and [...] Read more.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been used in the field of clinical microbiology since 2010. Compared with the traditional technique of biochemical identification, MALDI-TOF MS has many advantages, including convenience, speed, accuracy, and low cost. The accuracy and speed of identification using MALDI-TOF MS have been increasing with the development of sample preparation, database enrichment, and algorithm optimization. MALDI-TOF MS has shown promising results in identifying cultured colonies and rapidly detecting samples. MALDI-TOF MS has critical research applications for the rapid detection of highly virulent and drug-resistant pathogens. Here we present a scientific review that evaluates the performance of MALDI-TOF MS in identifying clinical pathogenic microorganisms. MALDI-TOF MS is a promising tool in identifying clinical microorganisms, although some aspects still require improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the Identification of Pathogenic Microorganisms)

16 pages, 1413 KiB

Open AccessReview

MALDI-TOF MS in a Medical Mycology Laboratory: On Stage and Backstage

by Marie-Gladys Robert, Muriel Cornet, Aurélie Hennebique, Tahinamandranto Rasamoelina, Yvan Caspar, Léa Pondérand, Marie Bidart, Harmonie Durand, Marvin Jacquet, Cécile Garnaud and Danièle Maubon

Microorganisms 2021, 9(6), 1283; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9061283 - 12 Jun 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4160

Abstract

The implementation of MALDI-TOF MS in medical microbiology laboratories has revolutionized practices and significantly reduced turnaround times of identification processes. However, although bacteriology quickly benefited from the contributions of this technique, adjustments were necessary to accommodate the specific characteristics of fungi. MALDI-TOF MS [...] Read more.

The implementation of MALDI-TOF MS in medical microbiology laboratories has revolutionized practices and significantly reduced turnaround times of identification processes. However, although bacteriology quickly benefited from the contributions of this technique, adjustments were necessary to accommodate the specific characteristics of fungi. MALDI-TOF MS is now an indispensable tool in clinical mycology laboratories, both for the identification of yeasts and filamentous fungi, and other innovative uses are gradually emerging. Based on the practical experience of our medical mycology laboratory, this review will present the current uses of MALDI-TOF MS and the adaptations we implemented, to allow their practical execution in a daily routine. We will also introduce some less mainstream applications, like those for fungemia, or even still under development, as is the case for the determination of sensitivity to antifungal agents or typing methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the Identification of Pathogenic Microorganisms)

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