Comparative evaluation of two matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) systems for the identification of clinically significant yeasts.
OBJECTIVES
To prospectively evaluate the performance of two matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry systems (MALDI-TOF MS) for the identification of clinically significant yeast isolates compared to the VITEK 2 system.


METHODS
One hundred and eighty-eight consecutive yeast isolates were analyzed by Bruker Biotyper and VITEK MS. The results were compared with the conventional VITEK 2 yeast identification system. Discrepant results were resolved by direct sequencing of rDNA.


RESULTS
Accurate identification by VITEK 2, VITEK MS, and Bruker Biotyper MS was 94.1% (177/188), 93.0% (175/188), and 92.6% (174/188), respectively. Three isolates were not identified by VITEK MS, while nine Candida orthopsilosis were misidentified as Candida parapsilosis, as this species is not present in its database. Eleven isolates were not identified or were wrongly identified by Bruker Biotyper and although another 14 were correctly identified, the score was unreliable at <1.7.


CONCLUSION
The overall accuracy of rapid MALDI-TOF MS systems was essentially comparable to that of the conventional VITEK 2 yeast identification system. However, future expansion of the databases may further improve the outcome and accuracy of identification of yeast species.
['Jamal|W Y|WY|', 'Ahmad|S|S|', 'Khan|Z U|ZU|', 'Rotimi|V O|VO|']
D002175:Candida D006801:Humans D015203:Reproducibility of Results D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization D015003:Yeasts
MALDI-TOF MS Identification Yeasts VITEK 2 system