Rapid Identification and Susceptibility Testing of Candida Species, from Urine by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry and VITEK 2

urinary tract infection (UTI) specially with Candida Spp. , are mostly common in females which are suffering from vaginitis or got the infection through usual gynecology clinic visits and as a nosocomial infection specially in case of using urinary catheterization. Early identification of Candida spp. , is necessary especially in nosocomial UTI and it could help selecting appropriate antifungal for treatment. This study shows that Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry ( MALDI-TOF MS) is a reliable tool for fast and accurate identification of Candida spp. ,.146 (4.3 %) positive urine samples for yeast infection out of 3, 370 samples were submitted to Microbiology laboratory of Hail General Hospital and Hail Maternity Hospital from April 2014 to December 2015. Specimens were direct microscopically examined for fungal elements and cultured on Sabourauds Dextrose agar (SDA), Candida Chromogenic agar and Blood agar as a routine work identification, isolates were analyzed using (MALDI-TOF MS) and Vitek 2 for identification and susceptibility testing. The results showed that more than 70 % of the isolates were C. albicans, 10 % C. galabrata, 8 %C. Kursi, 5 %C. dublinsiensis, 4 % C. lusitaniae and 3 % C. tropicalis. In conclusion Vitek 2 susceptibility system AST-YS07 cards and MALDI-TOF MS can be used for accurate routine clinical identification. Comparing to the Vitek 2, MALDI-TOF MS is easier, faster and more economic for each test but on the other hand unreliable identification due to mixed infection or the specimens containing 104 CFU/ml. The databases currently available for both systems should be updated to enhance performance.