MALDI-TOF MS versus 16S rRNA sequencing: Minor discrepancy between tools in identification of Bacteroides isolates

Abstract

Members of the genus Bacteroides are important components of the normal microbiota of gastrointestinal tract; however, as opportunistic pathogens are also associated with severe or even life-threatening infections with significant mortality. Various species within Bacteroides fragilis group are phenotypically very similar; thus, their identifications with traditional-automated biochemical methods are frequently inaccurate. The identification of the newly discovered or reclassified bacteria can be doubtful because of the lack of biochemical profile in the database of these tests. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) method by testing of 400 Hungarian Bacteroides clinical isolates. Inaccurate identification results with MALDI-TOF MS were confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and findings were compared with traditional-automated biochemical test rapid ID 32A method as well.