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Evolution of MALDI-TOF MS Profiles from Lice and Fleas Preserved in Alcohol over Time

Hanene Benyahia1,2, Philippe Parola1,2, Lionel Almeras1,2,3

  • 1Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France.

Insects
|October 27, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) can identify lice and fleas stored in alcohol for up to four years. Optimizing drying time is crucial for accurate identification, especially for specimens preserved longer than 22 months.

Area of Science:

  • Entomology
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Mass Spectrometry

Background:

  • Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) is valuable for arthropod identification.
  • Storage of ectoparasites in ethanol can affect MS profile stability and classification accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the stability of MALDI-TOF MS profiles of body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) and cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) preserved in alcohol for 1 to 4 years.
  • To determine the impact of storage duration and drying time on the accuracy of MS-based identification.

Main Methods:

  • Tested 469 cephalothoraxes from lice (n=170) and fleas (n=299).
  • Assessed MS profile reproducibility using log score values (LSVs) against a reference database of specimens stored <1 year.
  • Investigated the effect of extended drying periods (12-24 hours) on identification rates.

Main Results:

  • Approximately 75% of lice and fleas stored for 12-48 months achieved relevant identification.
  • Identification rates significantly decreased for specimens stored >22 months.
  • Extended drying periods improved identification rates to 95% for lice and 80% for fleas.

Conclusions:

  • MALDI-TOF MS can identify lice and fleas preserved in alcohol for up to four years.
  • Sufficient drying time is essential for accurate identification, particularly for long-term stored specimens.
  • Optimized preservation and drying protocols enhance the utility of MALDI-TOF MS in entomological studies.
Keywords:
MALDI-TOF MSarthropodsduration of ethanol storingspecies identification

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