Identification of Streptococcus pseudopneumoniae and other mitis group streptococci using matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization - time of flight mass spectrometry

Genomic identification of streptococcal strains and relation to clinical characteristics. A substudy to The Partial Oral Treatment of Endocarditis (POET) Trial.

“…In recent decade(s), 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and especially in the last decade MALDI-ToF MS have revolutionized taxonomy and identification opportunities of bacteria. MALDI-ToF MS identifications have been steadily improved in the last 10 years and securely allocates viridans groups strains to the group level and not seldom beyond 10,13,19,20 . Looking, with identification based on sequence determination of the rnpB gene and MALDI-ToF MS, at 63 blood culture strains of viridans groups strains from patients with IE, Isaksson et al 13 found agreement for all 36 strains identified in the anginosus, bovis, and mutans groups or identified as S. cristatus, S. gordonii, or S. sanguinis.…”

“…This finding is in line with previous studies 8 and underlines the fact that different streptococci have different propensities to cause IE. This may relate to the fact that mitis and mutans groups are of the mouth flora rather than the intestinal flora, though differences in molecular virulence mechanisms may also play a role 20 . The association of certain streptococcal groups with IE may help clinicians to determine which patients with streptococcal bacteremia should be referred to transesophageal echocardiography.…”