[MALDI-TOF MASS-SPECTROMETRIC ANAIYSIS OF LEPTOSPIRA SPP. USED IN SERODIAGNOSTICS OF LEPTOSPIROSIS].

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Bioinformatics

Context:

• Leptospira spp. are pathogenic bacteria requiring accurate identification for public health.
• Traditional methods for serovar classification can be labor-intensive and time-consuming.
• MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry offers a rapid and high-throughput approach for bacterial identification.

Purpose:

• To create a classification model for Leptospira spp. serovars using ClinProTools 3.0 software.
• To evaluate the efficacy of MALDI-TOF MS for quality control of Leptospira reference strains.
• To identify specific biomarker peaks for serovar classification.

Summary:

• A classification model was developed using MALDI-TOF MS data from 10 Leptospira spp. reference strains.
• The optimal model, built with a genetic algorithm, achieved 99.14% cross-validation and 100% confirmatory ability.
• External validation demonstrated high accuracy, though some cross-classification was observed for Canicola and Pomona serovars.

Impact:

• The developed MALDI-TOF MS classification model provides a reliable tool for intra-laboratory quality control of Leptospira reseeding.
• This method can enhance the efficiency and accuracy of Leptospira serovar identification.
• Potential for improved diagnostics and epidemiological surveillance of leptospirosis.