Assessment of MALDI-TOF Analysis in Contrast with Typical Microbiological Techniques for Identifying Microorganisms: The Case of a Tertiary Setting

Authors: Fouad M. Sait, Mohammed A. Alghamdi, Walleed H. Nasraldeen, Hesham A. Almohammadi, Wala F. Andejani

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14512119

Short DOI: https://doi.org/g8v84j

Country: Saudi Arabia

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Abstract: Background: A quick assessment of pathogens is key in patient management and care. Although traditional microbiological methods still stand out as dependable, they score low when it comes to efficiency and the rate of work done. Pathogen research, which was regarded as complicated in the past, is now easier and quicker thanks to MALDI-TOF MS (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry).

Objective: In this paper, we examine the use of MALDI-TOF MS in pathogen identification and its effectiveness against routine microbial culture at a level three hospital.

Methods: It spanned six months and the subjects that were examined included clinical specimens of blood, urine, and pneumonic sputum, from a total of 500 patients. After a using routine culture methods on clinical samples we employed MALDI/TOF MS techniques to detect pathogens using a mass spectrometer. Turnaround time, accuracy, diagnostic yield, cost per sample and error rates formed the set of metrics for comparison.

Results: MALDI-TOF MS achieved lower diagnostic turn-around times (6.2 hours vs. 36.5 hrs, p < 0.001), and higher identification accuracy (96.8% vs. 86.3% p<0.001). When compared with other technologies, MALDI-TOF also had higher levels of cost and efficiency diagnostic yield while achieving lower error rates (1.8% vs. 5.4%). Its high dependence on well maintained spectral databases and trained technologists is one of its key drawbacks.

Conclusion: The MALDI-TOF MS method is able to provide rapid, accurate, and economic identification of pathogens, thus distinguishing itself from conventional approaches thus serving as a great asset in the medical field. Improving and overcoming these drawbacks will subsequently increase its effectiveness and efficiency.

Keywords: MALDI-TOF MS; Pathogen Identification; Clinical Microbiology; Diagnostic Efficiency; Turnaround Time; Cost Analysis; Tertiary Hospital.

Paper Id: 231862

Published On: 2024-09-03

Published In: Volume 12, Issue 5, September-October 2024

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