MALDI-TOF MS Revolutionises Identification of Clinically Important Molds
Accurate species-level identification of filamentous fungi is critical for managing invasive mold infections, yet morphological methods are slow and require expertise. This review summarises MALDI-TOF MS performance for identifying Aspergillus, Fusarium, Mucorales, dimorphic fungi, and dermatophytes, demonstrating reliable identification for common species and typical strains. While database coverage for uncommon species remains a limitation, the speed and accuracy of MS-based identification are transforming the diagnostic mycology workflow.
The original study
Identification of Molds by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry.
- Authors
- Sanguinetti M, Posteraro B
- Journal
- Journal of clinical microbiology
- Type
- Journal Article, Review, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- PMID
- 27807151
Original abstract
Although to a lesser extent than diagnostic bacteriology, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has recently revolutionized the diagnostic mycology workflow. With regard to filamentous fungi (or molds), the precise recognition of pathogenic species is important for rapid diagnosis and appropriate treatment, especially for invasive diseases. This review summarizes the current experience with MALDI-TOF MS-based identification of common and uncommon mold species of Aspergillus, Fusarium, Mucorales, dimorphic fungi, and dermatophytes. This experience clearly shows that MALDI-TOF MS holds promise as a fast and accurate identification tool, particularly with common species or typical strains of filamentous fungi.