MALDI-TOF MS improves routine identification of non-fermenting Gram negative isolates from cystic fibrosis patients

Identification of non-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria (NFGNB) from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is often limited. A collection of stored NFGNB isolates (n=182) recovered from CF patients over a 15 year period was examined. The routinely reported identification during this period was compared with that obtained by MALDI-TOF MS. Isolates giving discrepant identification at the genus level were further analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing. The MALDI-TOF MS system identified 94% of the isolates, including Burkholderia cepacia and Pandoraea spp. isolates, the latter previously misidentified as other NFGNB by conventional microbiological methods. Lack of identification by MALDI-TOF MS was associated with the absence of entries in the database.