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MALDI-TOF MS as a new tool for the identification of Dientamoeba fragilis

Adriana Calderaro1, Mirko Buttrini2, Sara Montecchini2

  • 1Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy. adriana.calderaro@unipr.it.

Parasites & Vectors
|January 6, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study identifies specific protein markers for Dientamoeba fragilis using MALDI-TOF MS, offering a rapid and cost-effective diagnostic tool for dientamoebiasis. The method accurately identifies D. fragilis in clinical samples.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Medical Diagnostics
  • Mass Spectrometry

Background:

  • Dientamoeba fragilis is a protozoan parasite causing gastrointestinal infections.
  • Accurate laboratory diagnosis of D. fragilis is crucial for effective treatment.
  • Current diagnostic methods like real-time PCR can be time-consuming and expensive.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish a protein profile of Dientamoeba fragilis using MALDI-TOF MS.
  • To identify specific protein markers for laboratory diagnosis of D. fragilis.
  • To evaluate MALDI-TOF MS as a diagnostic tool for D. fragilis infections.

Main Methods:

  • Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was employed.
  • A reference spectrum was generated from a D. fragilis reference strain.
  • Protein profiles of 14 clinical D. fragilis isolates were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Fifteen peaks were identified that discriminated between the D. fragilis reference strain and the culture medium.
  • Six specific peaks were consistently observed across all 14 clinical isolates, serving as D. fragilis markers.
  • MALDI-TOF MS demonstrated high accuracy in identifying D. fragilis.

Conclusions:

  • MALDI-TOF MS is a valuable tool for Dientamoeba fragilis identification.
  • This method can be used alongside or as a replacement for real-time PCR.
  • MALDI-TOF MS offers an accurate, rapid, and cost-effective diagnostic approach for D. fragilis.
Keywords:
Dientamoeba fragilisIdentificationMALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

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