Enhancing pneumococcal bacteraemia diagnosis: A comparative assessment of culture-independent assays (MALDI–TOF–MS Sepsityper® module and a lateral flow inmunochromatography test)

Abstract

IntroductionPneumococcal bacteraemia is a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality. Traditional culture-based methods lack sensitivity and are time-consuming. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of two culture-independent assays, the MALDI–TOF–MS Sepsityper® module and the lateral flow inmunochromatography test (LFICT) with the Standard F® Streptococcus pneumoniae, directly from positive blood culture (BC) bottles. MethodsA prospective study was conducted from December 2021 to July 2022. For all BC positives for S. pneumoniae a double centrifugation protocol was implemented. The resulting pellet was subsequently processed using both techniques. ResultsThe LFICT showed exceptional performance with 100% sensitivity and specificity, outperforming the MALDI–TOF–MS Sepsityper® module, which achieved 85.2% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Nevertheless, the combination of these assays offers a robust and comprehensive approach to diagnosis. ConclusionsThe simultaneous use of both techniques offers a promising alternative that can be integrated into routine practices directly from BC samples.