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Updated: Jan 29, 2026

Characterization of Synthetic Polymers via Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
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Characterization of Synthetic Polymers via Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry

Published on: June 10, 2018

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Identification of Pythium insidiosum complex by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass

Rinosh Mani1, Raquel Vilela2,3, Niesa Kettler1

  • 1Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, Michigan, USA.

Journal of Medical Microbiology
|February 9, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) accurately identifies Pythium insidiosum, a fungal-like pathogen causing life-threatening pythiosis. This rapid method aids early diagnosis, crucial for effective treatment in humans and animals.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Pythiosis, caused by Pythium insidiosum, is a severe infection in humans and animals.
  • Early diagnosis is critical for successful pythiosis management.
  • Current diagnostic methods for P. insidiosum cultures can be challenging due to its unique morphology and differential diagnosis with similar fungi.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the utility of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for rapid and accurate identification of Pythium insidiosum.
  • To assess the specificity of MALDI-TOF in differentiating P. insidiosum from other filamentous fungi and fungal-like organisms.

Main Methods:

  • Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) was employed.
  • 53 isolates of P. insidiosum from human and animal pythiosis cases were analyzed.
  • 18 other pathogenic and saprotrophic filamentous fungi and fungal-like microbes were included for specificity testing.

Main Results:

  • MALDI-TOF successfully identified all 53 P. insidiosum isolates with high spectral scores.
  • Protein spectra showed variations among geographically diverse P. insidiosum isolates.
  • MALDI-TOF effectively discriminated P. insidiosum from 18 other tested species, including related Pythium and Phytopythium species.

Conclusions:

  • MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry is a reliable tool for accurate and rapid culture identification of P. insidiosum.
  • This method can significantly aid clinical laboratories in diagnosing pythiosis.
  • The findings support the integration of MALDI-TOF for routine diagnostics of P. insidiosum.
Keywords:
MALDI-TOFOomycotaPythium insidiosumoomycetespythiosis

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