Compatibility of Maximum-Containment Virus-Inactivation Protocols with Identification of Bacterial Coinfections by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

Diagnostics and research analyses involving samples containing maximum-containment viruses present unique challenges, and inactivation protocols compatible with downstream testing are needed. Our aim was to identify a validated viral inactivation protocol compatible with bacterial identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDITOF MS). We assessed a panel of bacteria with 6 validated maximum-containment virus-inactivation protocols and report that inactivation with TRIzol or -irradiation is compatible with MALDI-TOF MS. The availability, simplicity, and rapidity of TRIzol inactivation make this method the more suitable choice.