Comparative evaluation of two matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) systems, Vitek MS and Microflex LT, for the identification of Gram-positive cocci routinely isolated in clinical microbiology laboratories

Abstract

We evaluated the performance of two MALDI-TOF MS systems for the identification of clinically important Gram-positive cocci. Vitek MS and Microflex LT correctly identified 97.2% and 94.7%, respectively. Both systems offer reliable and rapid identification of clinically important Gram-positive cocci isolated in clinical laboratories, including staphylococci, streptococci, and enterococci. Expanding the databases, especially of coagulase-negative staphylococci and viridans streptococci, would enhance performance.

Keywords: Bacterial species identification; Gram-positive cocci; Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS); Microflex LT; Vitek MS.