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Journal of Clinical Microbiology, June 2006, p. 1963-1970, Vol. 44, No. 6
0095-1137/06/$08.00+0     doi:10.1128/JCM.01959-05
Copyright © 2006, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Identification of Mycobacteria by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

Michelle Pignone,^1, Kimberly M. Greth,¹ Jason Cooper,² David Emerson,¹ and Jane Tang^1*

Bacteriology Program,¹ Molecular Authentication Resource Center, American Type Culture Collection, 10801 University Blvd., Manassas, Virginia 20110²

Received 19 September 2005/ Returned for modification 16 November 2005/ Accepted 22 February 2006

Classical methods for identification of Mycobacterium species rely on morphology and biochemical profiles. Speciation of a Mycobacterium isolate using these standard methods is a lengthy process based on subjective data interpretation. In this study, Mycobacterium species were characterized by utilizing matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). This technology is designed to provide a characteristic mass spectral fingerprint based on desorbed ions from the cell surface. Thirty-seven strains were analyzed; these represented thirteen species and five subspecies that included the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and the M. avium-M. intracellulare complex, as well as rapid- and slow-growing mycobacteria. All 37 strains were analyzed in triplicate, and a database was generated. This method produced species-specific patterns for all but 1 of the 37 isolates and provided reliable differentiation at the strain level. The data suggest that whole-cell MALDI-TOF MS has potential as a rapid and reproducible method for the identification and characterization of Mycobacterium species.

Present address: Chemical-Biological Sciences Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Quantico, VA 22135.

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