Identification of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci by the Bruker MALDI-TOF Biotyper Compared To the Vitek 2 and MIS Gas Liquid Chromatography

Abstract

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry has revolutionized clinical microbiology, enabling the rapid and accurate identification of micro-organisms; it has become the standard in clinical microbiology laboratories. We evaluated the Bruker MALDI-TOF Biotyper ability to identify 485 Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS) isolated from clinical specimens and previously identified by conventional techniques. Discrepant results were resolved by 16S rRNA analysis by a reference laboratory. Overall the Bruker BioTyper performed well identifying 485 (100%) of the CNS correctly to the species level, while the Vitek 2 identified 88.6% and the MIS gas liquid chromatography 60.8% correctly. A single discrepant result resolved by 16S rRNA analysis was confirmed to be S. xylosus, as identified by the Bruker BioTyper. We concluded that the Bruker BioTyper is an excellent identification modality for CNS in the routine microbiology laboratory.