Use of Matrix‐Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry for the Identification of Anaerobic Bacteria

Abstract

Identification of clinically significant anaerobes is gaining in importance. This is due to both better understanding of clinically relevant organisms and the unpredictability of inter‐ and intraspecies variation in antimicrobial susceptibility testing along with increasing antimicrobial resistance. The use of matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) for the identification of clinically relevant bacteria is now part of the routine workflow in many laboratories. This procedure provides guidance regarding the use of MALDI‐TOF MS specifically for the identification of anaerobes. Pure cultures following a plate‐to‐plate passage on anaerobic blood agar or Brucella agar plates should be used for MALDI‐TOF MS, since mixed inocula may lead to inaccurate results or no identification being rendered following MALDI‐TOF MS analysis.