MALDI-TOF MS profiling to predict resistance or biofilm production in gram-positive ESKAPE pathogens from healthcare-associated infections

• Published in: Diagnostic microbiology and infectious disease Vol. 111; no. 1; p. 116562
• Main Authors: Flores-Flores, Aldo Sebastian, Vazquez-Guillen, Jose Manuel, Bocanegra-Ibarias, Paola, Camacho-Ortiz, Adrian, Tamez-Guerra, Reyes S., Rodriguez-Padilla, Cristina, Flores-Treviño, Samantha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.01.2025
• Subjects: Biofilm; Biomarker peak; Drug resistance; ESKAPE; Healthcare-associated infections; MALDI-TOF MS; Biofilm; MALDI-TOF MS; ESKAPE; Drug resistance; Healthcare-associated infections; Biomarker peak
• ISSN: 0732-8893; 1879-0070; 1879-0070
• DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2024.116562

Antimicrobial resistance and biofilm production in healthcare-associated infections is a health issue worldwide. This study aimed to identify potential biomarker peaks for resistance or biofilm production in ESKAPE pathogens using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Antimicrobial susceptibility and biofilm production were assessed on selected isolates. Biomarker peaks were identified using MALDI Biotyper and ClinProTools software. Among resistant strains, 90.0 % were carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), 39.0 % were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), 17.98 % were multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 21.6 % were vancomycinresistant Enterococcus (VRE), and 2.55 % were carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE). Biofilm production was 40.0 % in VRE and 45.8 % in MRSA. Although no potential biomarker peaks for biofilm production were detected, several potential biomarker peaks for drug resistance in VRE (n=5), MRSA (n=4), and MDR P. aeruginosa (n=4) were detected, suggesting avenues for the development of rapid diagnostic tools.