Evaluation of the performance of MALDI-TOF MS and DNA sequence analysis in the identification of mycobacteria species
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Date
2018
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Abstract
Background/aim: Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry is an alternative way ofidentifying mycobacteria via the analysis of biomolecules. It is being increasingly used in routine microbiology practice since it permitsearly, rapid, and cost-effective identification of pathogens of clinical importance. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy ofphenotypic identification of mycobacteria by the MALDI-TOF MS MBT Mycobacteria Library (ML) 4.0 (Bruker, Daltonics) comparedto standard sequence analysis.Materials and methods: A total of 155 Mycobacterium clinical and external quality control isolates, comprising nontuberculousmycobacteria (NTM) (n = 95) and the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) (n = 60), were included in the study.Results: Identification by MBT ML4.0 was correctly performed in 100% of MTC and in 91% of NTM isolates. All of the MTC isolateswere correctly differentiated from NTM isolates.Conclusion: Based on our results, MBT ML4.0 may be used reliably to identify both NTM and MTC.