Rapid identification of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry

J Clin Microbiol. 2011 Aug;49(8):3050-3. doi: 10.1128/JCM.00651-11. Epub 2011 Jun 8.

Abstract

Compared to DNA sequence analysis, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) correctly identified 100% of Cryptococcus species, distinguishing the notable pathogens Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii. Identification was greatly enhanced by supplementing a commercial spectral library with additional entries to account for subspecies variability.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Cryptococcus gattii / chemistry*
  • Cryptococcus gattii / classification*
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / chemistry*
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / classification*
  • DNA, Fungal / chemistry
  • DNA, Fungal / genetics
  • Humans
  • Microbiological Techniques / methods*
  • Mycology / methods*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA / methods
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / methods*

Substances

  • DNA, Fungal