Abstract
Dermatophytes are microscopic fungi causing skin infections and infections of skin adnexa. Their identification is usually performed by morphological characteristics requiring experienced microbiologists and quiet long turnaround time.
In recent years, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been introducing to many diagnostic laboratories allowing identification of dermatophytes as well. For that purpose, however, specific procedures comparing with bacteria and yeasts must be used because of their complex morphology and specific cultivation requirements.
This study is focused on comparison of MALDI-TOF MS-based identification, identification using DNA sequencing of Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) rDNA region and conventional methods. In the study, 81 clinical isolates of dermatophytes were included.
MALDI-TOF MS correctly identified 74% of all isolates. Using classical methods, only 47% of isolates were identified.
Thus, MALDI-TOF MS provides a useful tool for identification of those fungi in routine microbiological laboratories. (C) 2018, Czech Medical Association J.E. Purkyne.
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