Rapid and reliable MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry identification of Candida non-albicans isolates from bloodstream infections

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mimet.2013.07.001Get rights and content
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Highlights

  • MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was applied to rapid fungal diagnosis.

  • Direct identification from positive blood cultures was the aim of the study.

  • Direct analysis is of great importance for early and adequate antifungal treatment.

Abstract

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) fingerprinting has recently become an effective instrument for rapid microbiological diagnostics and in particular for identification of micro-organisms directly in a positive blood culture. The aim of the study was to evaluate a collection of 82 stored yeast isolates from bloodstream infection, by MALDI-TOF MS; 21 isolates were identified also directly from positive blood cultures and in the presence of other co-infecting micro-organisms. Of the 82 isolates grown on plates, 64 (76%) were correctly identified by the Vitek II system and 82 (100%) by MALDI-TOF MS; when the two methods gave different results, the isolate was identified by PCR. MALDI-TOF MS was unreliable in identifying two isolates (Candida glabrata and Candida parapsilosis) directly from blood culture; however, direct analysis from positive blood culture samples was fast and effective for the identification of yeast, which is of great importance for early and adequate treatment.

Abbreviations

ICU
intensive care unit
BSI
bloodstream infection
MALDI-TOF
matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight
BC
blood culture
ITS
internal transcribed spacer

Keywords

MALDI-TOF
Candida non-albicans
Vitek II
Bloodstream infections

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