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Identification of Filamentous Fungi: An Evaluation of Three MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry Systems

Summary

This study compared three laboratory machines that identify fungi using a technique called MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Researchers tested 77 different fungal samples on each machine to see which one worked best. All three machines were useful for routine lab work, but they each worked best at different time points after the fungi started growing. The study shows that labs should be aware of when to test their samples for the most accurate results.

Background

Identification of filamentous fungi in clinical laboratories remains challenging and typically relies on phenotype-based methods or sequencing. MALDI-TOF MS offers a promising alternative with low cost and fast results, but different commercial systems are available with varying performance characteristics for fungal identification.

Objective

To conduct a comprehensive head-to-head comparison of three MALDI-TOF MS systems (Bruker Biotyper smart, Zybio EXS2600, and bioMérieux VITEK MS PRIME) and their reference spectrum databases for filamentous fungal identification.

Results

Valid results at species level ranged from 71-81% across systems and timepoints, with Bruker achieving maximum validity after 24h, while Zybio and bioMérieux peaked at 48h. Correct and valid identifications were 82%, 73%, and 81% for Bruker, Zybio, and bioMérieux respectively. Bruker required the most duplicate measurements (44%), Zybio showed the highest misidentification rate (13%), and bioMérieux had the highest unidentified rate among isolates in its database.

Conclusion

All three MALDI-TOF MS systems are suitable for routine mycological diagnostics. System-specific optimal measurement timepoints (24h for Bruker and Zybio, 48h for bioMérieux) significantly impact analysis quality. Lowering validity cut-off levels for the Zybio system could improve performance with minimal loss of specificity.
  • Published in:Mycoses,
  • Study Type:Comparative Evaluation Study,
  • Source: 10.1111/myc.70078, PMID: 40551454
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