[Evaluation of mass spectrometry: MALDI-TOF MS for fast and reliable yeast identification].

The matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry technique known as MALDI-TOF MS is a tool used for the identification of clinical pathogens by generating a protein spectrum that is unique for a given species. In this study we assessed the identification of clinical yeast isolates by MALDI-TOF MS in a university hospital from Argentina and compared two procedures for protein extraction: a rapid method and a procedure based on the manufacturer's recommendations. A short protein extraction procedure was applied in 100 isolates and the rate of correct identification at genus and species level was 98.

[Utility of MALDI-TOF MS for the identification of anaerobic bacteria].

The analysis by MALDI-TOF MS (Matrix-assited laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry) has become a reference method for the identification of microorganisms in Clinical Microbiology. However, data on some groups of microorganisms are still controversial. The aim of this study is to determine the utility of MALDI-TOF MS for the identification of clinical isolates of anaerobic bacteria.

[Evaluation of phenotypic methods for the detection of KPC carbapenemases in Klebsiella pneumoniae].

We evaluated phenotypic methods for the detection of kPc carbapenemases in 44 clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae having reduced susceptibility to carbapenems, 30 of which were kPc-positive and 14 kPc-negative. Both the agar dilution and disk diffusion methods were performed for imipenem, meropenem and ertapenem.