Improvement of a MALDI-TOF database for the reliable identification of Candidozyma auris (formally Candida auris ) and related species

Abstract

Importance Candidozyma auris , also known as Candida auris , has quickly spread across the world, and prompt identification of C. auris from infected individuals is critical. However, a standard identification method is lacking for the identification of C. auris in clinical and public health laboratories. To make matters worse, its biochemical assimilation profile was found to be similar to that of closely related and even no-related species, leading to frequent misidentification. To improve diagnostics of this and closely related species, we created a database of reference mass spectra resulting in the efficient and correct identification of all Candidozyma species by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Moreover, potential pathogenic species of Candidozyma can be effectively identified by MALDI-TOF MS, and differentiated from non-clinically relevant phylogenetic relatives. Thus, MALDI-TOF MS may help expedite laboratory diagnosis and treatment of C. auris and related species of clinical importance and help the clinician to decide on early treatment.