Application of the MALTI-TOF MS Method for Identification of Vibrio spp. in Aquaculture

Abstract

Aquaculture is developing rapidly and plays an important role in providing animal protein to the world’s growing population. However, increasing mortality from bacterial disease outbreaks in important species poses a challenge to production progress in this sector. In order to reduce the impact of these diseases, rapid and accurate pathogen identification is essential for disease management, early detection and the continued health of aquaculture. The aim of this review is to summarise studies on the identification and diagnosis of Vibrio pathogens in aquatic organisms by MALTI-TOF MS (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry), a rapid identification method based on protein profiling of bacteria. The profiles of bacterial protein obtained are compared with a global microbial protein library for identification. This study demonstrates the potential of using MALDI-TOF MS for the detection of Vibrio pathogens in aquaculture in studies published between 2015 and 2024. While purchasing a time-of-flight mass spectrometer is expensive when compared to conventional and molecular identification methods. It also appears to be much more efficient in terms of time spent on identification. MALDI-TOF MS has been shown to be simple to use in fish identification laboratories.