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Updated: May 13, 2026

Identification of Rare Bacterial Pathogens by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS
Published on: July 11, 2016
The use of MALDI-TOF ICMS as an alternative tool for Trichophyton rubrum identification and typing
Leonel Pereira1, Nicolina Dias1, Cledir Santos1
1IBB/Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal.
Aims:
In this study, the potential of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight intact cell mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF ICMS) was investigated for the identification of clinical isolates. The isolates were analyzed at the species and strain level.
Methods:
Spectral identification by MALDI-TOF ICMS was performed for all strains, and compared with the results of sequencing of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2), and the 5.8S rDNA region. PCR fingerprinting analysis using primers M13, (GACA)4, and (AC)10 was performed in order to assess the intra-specific variability of Trichophyton rubrum strains.
Results:
The identification of strains at species level by MALDI-TOF ICMS was in agreement with the previously performed morphological and biochemical analysis. Sequence data confirmed spectral mass identification at species level. Intra-specific variability was assessed. Within the T. rubrum cluster, strains were distributed into smaller highly related sub-groups with a similarity values above 85%.
Conclusions:
MALDI-TOF ICMS was shown to be a rapid, low-cost and accurate alternative tool for the identification and strain typing of T. rubrum.
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