Performance of common primary and chromogenic culture media for MALDI-TOF MS identification of clinically relevant yeasts

Abstract

In this study, a panel of 140 strains (21 species) was used to assess the performance of the selected media. Although not in the manufacturer’s list of accepted media, IMA and chromogenic media are suitable for the identification of yeasts on the VITEK-MS systems. CHROMagar Candida Plus allowed the identification of 135/140 isolates tested after 24-h incubation similar to SAB reference media (137/140). Yeast isolates that grew on Mycosel selective media were also reliably identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. VITEK-MS system with IVD database V3.2 correctly identified C. auris strains to the species level on CHROMagar Candida Plus alleviating the need for subcultivation and reduced turnaround time (24–72 h) to identification for patient screening.