Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the proteomic based identification of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans isolated from orodental infections

Aim: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is a fastidious gram negative cocco bacilli responsible for aggressive and chronic periodontitis as well as other systemic infections. In this study the usefulness of MALDITOF MS a proteomic based study was evaluated for the identification of A. actinomycetemcomitans isolates from orodental infections. Materials and methods: Fifty clinical isolates of A. actinomycetemcomitans obtained from orodental infections were subjected for identification with conventional as well as MALDITOF MS analysis. Results: All the isolates tested were accurately identified by the MALDITOF MS analysis. Among the 50 isolates 35 were identified at secure and probable species level and another 15 were identified at highly probable species level. Conclusion: MALDITOF MS is reliable, cost effective and rapid test for the identification of slow growing fastidious bacteria like A. actinomycetemcomitans compared with conventional methods.