Usefulness of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry in the Characterization of Strains Causing Tegumentary Leishmaniasis in Bolivia versus Gene Sequencing.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a proteomic technique with proven efficiency in the identification of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites. The present study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of MALDI-TOF MS for the characterization of species circulating in Bolivia using gene sequencing as a reference technique. 55 strains that were isolated from patients with tegumentary leishmaniasis were analyzed.