MALDI-TOF MS对临床侵袭性丝状真菌的快速鉴定技术的研究

目的评价基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间质谱(MALDI-TOF MS)技术在临床常见丝状真菌鉴定中的应用价值。方法收集2017年4月—2019年7月本院各种类型临床标本中分离培养的65株丝状真菌,以及某三甲医院惠赠的26株丝状真菌。这91株丝状真菌通过传统形态学鉴定、DNA测序及MALDI-TOF MS鉴定方法后,以DNA测序结果为标准,与另外2种方法的鉴定结果进行统计学比较,评价MALDI-TOF MS在临床丝状真菌鉴定上的应用。结果在28℃和35℃条件下培养的菌株经质谱仪鉴定后,χ~2检验显示P0.05,提示培养温度差异对结果的影响无统计学意义;以DNA测序结果为金标准,传统形态学方法的正确鉴定率为81.3%(74/91),而基于MALDI-TOF MS技术的正确鉴定率可达97.8%(89/91);研究中,使用"甲酸乙腈提取法"提取蛋白后,丝状真菌质谱鉴定的正确率为90.1%(82/91),而"磁珠研磨法"提取蛋白后的质谱鉴定率则为97.8%(89/91)。结论临床常规工作中使用质谱仪鉴定常见丝状真菌时,培养温度不会影响质谱鉴定结果;改良"磁珠研磨法"提取蛋白后质谱仪鉴定的正确率优于质谱仪推荐"甲酸乙腈提取法";MALDI-TOF MS技术在常见丝状真菌的鉴定上,相比于传统形态学鉴定,该技术更快速、客观、高效及准确。     

临床相关毛孢子菌的鉴定及体外药物敏感性研究

目的探讨临床相关毛孢子菌的鉴定方法及对常见抗真菌药物的体外敏感性。方法对48株临床分离的毛孢子菌分别通过形态学、API20C AUX、Vitek 2 Compact及核糖体rDNA ITS序列分析等方法鉴定到种;采用浓度梯度法（E-test）测定氟康唑、伏立康唑、伊曲康唑、两性霉素B及卡泊芬净对48株毛孢子菌的最低抑菌浓度。结果形态学和API20C AUX、Vitek 2 Compact不能准确区分不同种的毛孢子菌,以核糖体rDNA ITS序列分析将48株毛孢子菌鉴定为8个种：阿萨希毛孢子菌,星型毛孢子菌,皮瘤毛孢子菌,真皮毛孢子菌,皮肤毛孢子菌,赖巴克毛孢子菌,T.domesticum,T.jirovecii。体外药敏结果显示：卡泊芬净对毛孢子菌无体外活性,MIC〉32μg/mL;氟康唑和两性霉素B对毛孢子菌活性差,体外活性最好的药物是伏立康唑和伊曲康唑。结论常规方法不易将毛孢子菌准确鉴定到种的水平,ITS序列分析准确快速,可以辅助临床区分难鉴定毛孢子菌。毛孢子菌药敏谱不同于临床常见其他酵母菌,氟康唑和两性霉素B对其活性差,伏立康唑具有良好的体外抗菌活性。     

基于核糖体蛋白质标志物及基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间质谱技术快速鉴定糖丝菌属放线菌

【目的】糖丝菌属(Saccharothrix)是一类丝状稀有放线菌,在生物医药、工业酶制剂和环境修复等领域展现出应用价值。本研究尝试建立以核糖体蛋白质为标志物,利用基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间质谱(matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry,MALDI-TOF MS)技术鉴定糖丝菌属放线菌的方法。【方法】检索基因组数据库,提取糖丝菌属测序菌株15种核糖体蛋白质的序列并计算理论分子量;通过分子量比对分析糖丝菌属不同菌种之间及其模式菌株与邻近属菌种模式菌株之间15种核糖体蛋白质的匹配度,提出鉴定至菌种及属的核糖体蛋白质匹配数标准;选取目标属和非目标属菌种进行MALDI-TOF MS测试和分析并修正鉴定标准。【结果】将待测菌株的MALDI-TOF质谱峰与糖丝菌属各菌种模式菌株的15种核糖体蛋白质分别匹配,通过最大匹配数、质谱峰强度模式及特征质谱峰鉴定至属或种。【结论】本研究建立了基于15种核糖体蛋白质标志物及MALDI-TOF MS技术鉴定糖丝菌属放线菌的方法,可用于定向筛选和快速鉴...     

河北地区临床实验室丝状真菌分离鉴定情况分析

目的开展一项由河北地区多所医院参与的临床实验室丝状真菌检测研究,促进实验室丝状真菌检测能力提升。方法共收集丝状真菌菌株,采用沙堡弱培养基和乳酸酚棉兰染色直接镜检进行菌种常规鉴定;中心实验室采用Vitek MS质谱进行复核鉴定,对MS不能有效鉴定的菌种进行核糖体DNA内转录间隔区ITS和/或钙调蛋白CaM测序分析。结果参与研究的15家三级医院2016～2017年共收集到丝状真菌225株。其中烟曲霉133株(59.11%)、黄曲霉/米曲霉28株(12.44%)、黑曲霉复合群18株(8.00%)、聚多曲霉6株(2.67%)、构巢曲霉6株(2.67%)、其他丝状真菌34株(15.11%)。样本类型包括下呼吸道痰标本203株(90.22%),耳道分泌物10株(4.44%),肺泡灌洗液4株(1.78%),其他样本8株(3.56%)。菌株鉴定正确率(148/225)65.78%,错误率(77/225)34.22%。结论丝状真菌感染中最常见的是曲霉菌属,主要以烟曲霉菌、黄曲霉菌和黑曲霉菌为主。传统的鉴定方法错误率高达30%以上,采用微生物质谱鉴定结合ITS/CaM区测序方法可以有效提高丝状真菌的鉴定正确率,为临床丝状真菌的治疗提供病原学依据。     

培养条件对克柔念珠菌MALDI-TOF MS鉴定结果的影响分析

目的探究不同的培养时间、培养温度、培养基种类及培养气体环境对克柔念珠菌基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间质谱(matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry,MALDI-TOF MS)鉴定结果的影响。方法收集中国侵袭性真菌耐药监测网(CHIF-NET)2012-2013年中17所医院克柔念珠菌25株,每株菌平行接种在沙堡弱氯霉素琼脂平板(SDA-C)、血琼脂平板等6种培养基,28℃和35℃2种孵育温度,空气和5%CO_2 2种气体环境中孵育,以真菌rDNA ITS测序为金标准,孵育24 h和48 h后,使用Vitek MALDI-TOF质谱仪(简称Vitek MS)和Bruker Autoflex Speed型MALDI-TOF质谱仪(简称Bruker MS)分别进行菌种鉴定,并对其鉴定正确率进行分析。结果克柔念珠菌孵育24 h和48 h时Vitek MS鉴定正确率均为100%,Bruker MS鉴定正确率分别是98.86%和87.43%。28℃SDA-C上生长的克柔念珠菌种水平鉴定准确率较35℃生长的菌株高。比较各种培养基,孵育48 h时SDA-C上生长的克柔念珠菌Bruker MS鉴定正确率(100%)最高。结论克柔念珠菌接种在SDA-C上,28℃空气培养24 h质谱鉴定效果最佳。常规细菌培养基上生长的克柔念珠菌,Bruker MS鉴定分值≥1.700即可认为菌种鉴定可靠。     

MALDI-TOF MS在病原性丝状真菌鉴定中的应用进展

丝状真菌临床感染率逐年攀升,且丝状真菌种类繁多,耐药谱多样,对病原性丝状真菌进行准确种属鉴定具有重要临床意义。基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间质谱(MALDI-TOF MS)是新近兴起的微生物菌种快速鉴定技术,已应用于临床细菌及酵母菌菌种鉴定且成效显著,但在丝状真菌鉴定方面,其鉴定效能及应用程度略逊。该文综述了近年来在这一方面的研究进展。     

MADLI-TOF MS自建库在马尔尼菲篮状菌快速鉴定中的应用

目的评价基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间质谱(MADLI-TOF MS)自建库对临床分离马尔尼菲篮状菌快速鉴定的能力。方法收集广州、玉林、防城港3个地区临床分离的马尔尼菲篮状菌,通过ITS区扩增测序进行菌种准确鉴定。菌株通过微型玻璃珠研磨结合甲酸/乙腈提取法预处理。通过采集建库菌株不同时间点、不同平板上菌丝相和酵母相菌落的质谱数据,建立包含马尔尼菲篮状菌超级图谱的自建库;并用非建库的马尔尼菲篮状菌及临床常见的真菌评估建立的自建库。结果建立了包含具有39个特征峰的马尔尼菲篮状菌超级图谱的自建库;用于评估的菌株均被鉴定到种,准确率为100%。结论 MADLI-TOF MS建立的马尔尼菲篮状菌自建库能够对于临床马尔尼菲篮状菌进行快速、准确的鉴定。     

基于核糖体蛋白质标志物及MALDI-TOF MS技术快速鉴定伦茨菌属放线菌

【目的】伦茨菌属(Lentzea)放线菌(Actinobacteria)代谢产物具有广泛的生物活性,在医药领域展现出潜在的应用价值。本研究尝试建立以核糖体蛋白质为标志物,利用基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间质谱(matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight masss pectrometry,MALDI-TOF MS)技术鉴定伦茨菌属放线菌的方法。【方法】检索基因组数据库,提取伦茨菌属菌种模式菌株15种核糖体蛋白质的序列并计算理论分子量;通过分子量比对分析伦茨菌属菌种模式菌株之间及其与邻近属菌种模式菌株之间15种核糖体蛋白质的匹配度,提出鉴定至菌种及属的核糖体蛋白质匹配数标准;选取目标属和非目标属菌种进行MALDI-TOFMS测试和分析并修正鉴定标准。【结果】将待测菌株的MALDI-TOF质谱峰与伦茨菌属各菌种模式菌株的15种核糖体蛋白质分别匹配,通过最大匹配数及质谱峰强度模式可鉴定至属或种。【结论】本研究建立了基于15种核糖体蛋白质标志物及MALDI-TOF MS技术鉴定伦茨菌属放线菌的方法,可为放线菌纲其他类群的快...     

MALDI-TOF MS技术在临床病原真菌鉴定中的应用进展

基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间质谱技术（MALDI-TOF-MS）目前是一种快速而可靠的微生物鉴定方法.随着可鉴定真菌谱的完善,MALDI-TOF MS技术已逐步应用于临床常见致病酵母菌、酵母样真菌和丝状菌的鉴定中,本文将就此做一综述.     

MALDI-TOF MS技术在侵袭性丝状真菌快速鉴定中的应用

目的 探索不同培养基、不同培养时间和不同蛋白质提取方法对侵袭性丝状真菌质谱鉴定准确率的影响,旨在提高基质辅助激光解析电离飞行时间质谱技术鉴定侵袭性丝状真菌的准确率。方法 采用分子生物学方法为金标准,同时运用基质辅助激光解析电离飞行时间质谱技术对所收集临床丝状真菌进行鉴定。根据分子生物学的鉴定结果,去除VITEK-MS v3.0数据库中没有的菌株,其余菌株接种在沙氏葡萄糖琼脂(SDA)、马铃薯葡萄糖琼脂(PDA)和察氏培养基(CA)3种不同的培养基中,采用2种不同的蛋白质提取方法(甲酸乙腈法和磁珠法),获得了不同培养时间点(2、3、5、7和9 d)的特异性质谱指纹图谱。结果 不同丝状真菌蛋白质提取方法进行比较,甲酸乙腈法总鉴定准确率为79.8%,磁珠法总鉴定准确率为77.5%,2种丝状真菌蛋白质提取方法的质谱鉴定准确率差异无统计学意义(χ²=1.040,P=0.308)。不同培养基进行比较,SDA培养基总鉴定准确率为90.7%,PDA培养基总鉴定准确率为81.4%,CA培养基总鉴定准确率为67.4%,3种不同培养基的丝状真菌质谱鉴定准确率差异有统计学意义(χ     

Comparison of two matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry systems for the identification of clinical filamentous fungi

Infections caused by filamentous fungi have become a health concern, and require rapid and accurate identification in order for effective treatment of the pathogens. To compare the performance of two MALDI-TOF MS systems (Bruker Microflex LT and Xiamen Microtyper) in the identification of filamentous fungal species. A total of 374 clinical filamentous fungal isolates sequentially collected in the Clinical Laboratory at the Beijing Tongren Hospital between January 2014 and December 2015 were identified by traditional phenotypic methods, Bruker Microflex LT and Xiamen Microtyper MALDI-TOF MS, respectively. The discrepancy between these methods was resolved by sequencing for definitive identification. Bruker Microflex LT and Xiamen Microtyper had similar correct species ID (98.9 vs. 99.2%), genus ID (99.7 vs. 100%), mis-ID (0.3 vs. 0%) and no ID (0 vs. 0). The rate of correct species identification by both MALDI-TOF MS (98.9 and 99.2%, respectively) was much higher compared with phenotypic approach (91.9%). Both MALDI-TOF MS systems provide accurate identification of clinical filamentous fungi compared with conventional phenotypic method, and have the potential to replace identification for routine identification of these fungi in clinical mycology laboratories. Both systems have similar performance in the identification of clinical filamentous fungi.     

MALDI-TOF-Based Dermatophyte Identification

MALDI-TOF MS has become increasingly popular for microorganism identification in the routine laboratory. Compared with conventional morphology-based techniques, MALDI-TOF is relatively inexpensive (per-unit identification), involves a rapid result turnaround time and yields more accurate results without the need for highly qualified staff. However, this technology has been technically difficult to implement for filamentous fungi identification. Identification of dermatophytes, a type of filamentous fungi, remains particularly challenging, partly due to the lack of clear species definition for some taxa or within some species complexes. Review of the ten studies published between 2008 and 2015 shows that the accuracy of MALDI-TOF MS-based identification varied between 13.5 and 100 % for dermatophytes. This variability was partly due to inconsistencies concerning critical steps of the routine clinical laboratory process. Use of both a complete formic acid-acetonitrile protein extraction step and a manufacturer library supplemented with homemade reference spectra is essential for an accurate species identification. This technique is conversely unaffected by variations in other routine clinical laboratory conditions such as culture medium type, incubation time and type of mass spectrometry instrument. Provided that a reference spectra library is adequate for dermatophyte identification, MALDI-TOF MS identification is more economical and offers an accuracy comparable to that of DNA sequencing. The technique also represents an advantageous alternative to the protracted and labor-intensive dermatophyte identification via macroscopic and microscopic morphology in the routine clinical laboratory.     

基质辅助激光解析电离飞行时间质谱在医学真菌领域的应用进展

基质辅助激光解析电离飞行时间质谱（matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry,MALDI-TOF MS）是近年来新兴的微生物检测技术,通过核糖体蛋白分析实现对真菌快速、准确鉴定。本文针对MALDI-TOF MS用于致病真菌鉴定、分类、体外抗真菌药物敏感性检测以及临床微生物样本直接检测等方面作一综述。     

A New Filter Based Cultivation Approach for Improving Aspergillus Identification using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)

Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is widely used in clinical laboratories for routine identification of bacteria and yeasts. However, methodological difficulties are still apparent when applied to filamentous fungi. The liquid cultivation method recommended by Bruker Daltonics GmbH for identification of filamentous fungi by MALDI-TOF MS is labour intensive and time-consuming. In this study, growth of Aspergillus species on different (porous) surfaces was investigated with the aim to develop a more reliable, quicker and less laborious identification method using MALDI-TOF MS. Mycelial growth without sporulation mimicking liquid cultivation and reliable MALDI-TOF MS spectra were obtained when A. fumigatus strains were grown on and in between a polycarbonate membrane filter on Sabouraud dextrose agar. A database of in-house reference spectra was created by growing Aspergillus reference strains (mainly focusing on sections Fumigati and Flavi) under these selected conditions. A test set of 50 molecularly identified strains grown under different conditions was used to select the best growth condition for identification and to perform an initial validation of the in-house database. Based on these results, the cultivation method on top of a polycarbonate filter proved to be most successful for species identification. This method was therefore selected for the identification of two sets of clinical isolates that mainly consisted of Aspergilli (100 strains originating from Indonesia, 70 isolates from Qatar). The results showed that this cultivation method is reliable for identification of clinically relevant Aspergillus species, with 67% and 76% correct identification of strains from Indonesia and Qatar, respectively. In conclusion, cultivation of Aspergilli on top of a polycarbonate filter showed improved results compared to the liquid cultivation protocol recommended by Bruker in terms of percentage of correct identification, ease of MSP creation, time consumption, cost and labour intensity. This method can be reliably applied for identification of clinically important Aspergilli and has potential for identification of other filamentous fungi.

     

Identification of Clinically Relevant Fungi and Prototheca Species by rRNA Gene Sequencing and Multilocus PCR Coupled with Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Background

Multilocus PCR coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS) is a new strategy for pathogen identification, but information about its application in fungal identification remains sparse.

Methods

One-hundred and twelve strains and isolates of clinically important fungi and Prototheca species were subjected to both rRNA gene sequencing and PCR/ESI-MS. Three regions of the rRNA gene were used as targets for sequencing: the 5′ end of the large subunit rRNA gene (D1/D2 region), and the internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 (ITS1 and ITS2 regions). Microbial identification (Micro ID), acquired by combining results of phenotypic methods and rRNA gene sequencing, was used to evaluate the results of PCR/ESI-MS.

Results

For identification of yeasts and filamentous fungi, combined sequencing of the three regions had the best performance (species-level identification rate of 93.8% and 81.8% respectively). The highest species-level identification rate was achieved by sequencing of D1/D2 for yeasts (92.2%) and ITS2 for filamentous fungi (75.8%). The two Prototheca species could be identified to species level by D1/D2 sequencing but not by ITS1 or ITS2. For the 102 strains and isolates within the coverage of PCR/ESI-MS identification, 87.3% (89/102) achieved species-level identification, 100% (89/89) of which were concordant to Micro ID on species/complex level. The species-level identification rates for yeasts and filamentous fungi were 93.9% (62/66) and 75% (27/36) respectively.

Conclusions

rRNA gene sequencing provides accurate identification information, with the best results obtained by a combination of ITS1, ITS2 and D1/D2 sequencing. Our preliminary data indicated that PCR/ESI-MS method also provides a rapid and accurate identification for many clinical relevant fungi.     

Update on the Evolving Role of MALDI-TOF MS for Laboratory Diagnosis of Fungal Infections

MALDI-TOF MS is a recent technique, which revolutionized bacterial species identifications, due to its simplicity, accuracy and speed of analysis. The same efficiency of species identification for fungi is highly sought. This review aims to discuss the evolving role of MALDI-TOF MS in the laboratory diagnosis of fungal infections. Yeast identifications are increasingly being performed with MALDI-TOF MS in a routine setting with good results. A further extension of the libraries will further increase its potential. Direct identification of yeast in blood cultures and MALDI-TOF MS susceptibility testing are new promising applications. The identification of filamentous fungi on MALDI-TOF MS is still challenging, but knowledge and experience is taking huge leaps forward.     

一种联合MALDI-TOF MS直接鉴定阳性血培养瓶方法改进及与Sepsityper Kit试剂盒法、SELTERS法和血清分离胶法的比较

目的评价直接使用基质辅助激光解析电离飞行时间质谱(MALDI-TOF MS)联合Sepsityper Kit试剂盒法(简称试剂盒法)、SELTERS法和血清分离胶法(简称分离胶法)鉴定阳性血培养瓶血中细菌的符合率,并对SELTERS方法进行改进,以缩短样本处理时间。方法对656例临床血培养阳性标本,应用试剂盒法、SELTERS方法或分离胶法处理后,直接使用质谱仪快速鉴定菌株,同时进行传统培养,比较分析二者之间的差异。结果656例血培养阳性标本共分离出626株单种菌感染和30株多种菌感染标本。MALDI-TOF MS联合试剂盒法、SELTERS法或分离胶法可在1 h内快速鉴定血培养阳性标本。在单种细菌感染中,MALDI-TOF MS联合试剂盒法直接鉴定革兰阳性菌的种、属符合率分别是66.8%(141/211)、21.3%(45/211),革兰阴性菌的种、属符合率分别是97.1%(367/378)、0.8%(3/378),真菌的种、属符合率分别是32.4%(12/37)、0.0%(0/37);MALDI-TOF MS联合SELTERS法直接鉴定革兰阳性菌的种、属符合率分别是66.8%(141/211)、21.3%(45/211),革兰阴性菌的种、属符合率分别是96.3%(364/378)、2.4%(9/378),真菌的种、属符合率分别是32.4%(12/37)、2.7%(1/37);MALDI-TOF MS联合分离胶法直接鉴定革兰阳性菌的种、属符合率分别是51.2%(108/211)、20.9%(44/211),革兰阴性菌的种、属符合率分别是93.4%(353/378)、1.6%(6/378),真菌的种、属符合率分别是13.5%(5/37)、2.7%(1/37);MALDI-TOF MS联合改良SELTERS法直接鉴定革兰阳性菌的种、属符合率分别是59.1%(13/22)、18.2%(4/22),革兰阴性菌的种、属符合率分别是88.5%(23/26)、3.8%(1/26),真菌的种、属符合率分别是0.0%(0/2)、50.0%(1/2)。而对于多种菌感染的血培养瓶,3种方法鉴定率均较低。结论MALDI-TOF MS联合试剂盒法、SELTERS法或分离胶直接鉴定阳性血标本中的病原菌,其结果可在1 h内获得,并与传统培养结果相比具有较高的符合率。但是这些方法检测更快速、操作更简便,同时改良SELTERS法样本处理时间缩短,成本降低,且符合率与前3种方法没有区别。这4种方法均能满足临床快速诊断和及时有效抗菌治疗的需求,临床可根据自身情况选择。     

Applications of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in clinical diagnostic microbiology

Until recently, microbial identification in clinical diagnostic laboratories has mainly relied on conventional phenotypic and gene sequencing identification techniques. The development of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) devices has revolutionized the routine identification of microorganisms in clinical microbiology laboratories by introducing an easy, rapid, high throughput, low-cost, and efficient identification technique. This technology has been adapted to the constraint of clinical diagnostic laboratories and has the potential to replace and/or complement conventional identification techniques for both bacterial and fungal strains. Using standardized procedures, the resolution of MALDI-TOF MS allows accurate identification at the species level of most Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains with the exception of a few difficult strains that require more attention and further development of the method. Similarly, the routine identification by MALDI-TOF MS of yeast isolates is reliable and much quicker than conventional techniques. Recent studies have shown that MALDI-TOF MS has also the potential to accurately identify filamentous fungi and dermatophytes, providing that specific standardized procedures are established for these microorganisms. Moreover, MALDI-TOF MS has been used successfully for microbial typing and identification at the subspecies level, demonstrating that this technology is a potential efficient tool for epidemiological studies and for taxonomical classification.     

DNA barcodes and microsatellites: How they complement for species identification in the complex genus Tamarix (Tamaricaceae)

DNA barcoding allows the identification of an organism by comparing the sequence of selected DNA regions (barcodes) with a previously compiled database, and it can be useful for taxonomic identification of species in complex genera, such as Tamarix. Many species of this genus show convergent morphology, which leads to frequent errors in their identification. Highly variable genetic markers, such as microsatellites or short sequence repeats (SSR), could be used to differentiate species where DNA barcodes fail. Here, we tested the ability of both, 5 different marker regions (rbcL, matK, ITS, trnH-psbA, and ycf1), and 14 microsatellites, to properly identify Tamarix species, especially those from the Mediterranean Basin, and compared the pros and cons of the different analytical methods for species identification. DNA barcoding allows the genetic identification of certain species in Tamarix. The two-locus barcodes matK + ITS and ITS + ycf1 were the best-performing combinations, allowing up to 69% and 70%, respectively, correct identification. However, DNA barcoding failed in phylogenetically close groups, such as many Mediterranean species. The use of SSR can aid the identification of species, and the combination of both types of data (DNA barcoding and SSR) improved the success. The combination of data was especially relevant in detecting the presence of hybridization processes, which are common in the genus. However, caution must be exercised when choosing the clustering methods for the SSR datasince different methods can lead to very different results.     

MALDI-TOF MS and Filamentous Fungal Identification: A Success Story?

Purpose of Review

The diagnosis of invasive fungal disease remains challenging in the clinical laboratory. In this paper, the use of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the identification of filamentous fungi as well as its application for antifungal resistance testing and strain typing is evaluated.

Recent Findings

Most studies report very high accuracy for the identification of filamentous fungi by MALDI-TOF MS. Its cost effectiveness, short analysis time, and low error rate and the fact that it can also discriminate between closely related and cryptic species make it appropriate for implementation in the clinical routine. Two drawbacks remain in the availability of extended reference spectra databases and the fact that this technique can only be applied on isolates.

Summary

More work on (simultaneous) antifungal susceptibility testing and strain typing is needed. The application of MALDI-TOF MS directly on clinical specimens would further improve the diagnosis of invasive fungal disease and improve its successful management.