Identification of Candida glabrata complex species: use of Vitek MS RUO & Bruker ClinproTools.

Aim: Distinction of species within the Candida glabrata complex (i.e., C. glabrata sensu stricto, Candida nivariensis and Candida bracarensis) is relevant for epidemiological purposes and antifungal management.

Materials & Methods: Two commercial matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry systems were comprehensively evaluated for the identification of fungi within this complex.

Results: None of the species (C. nivariensis and C. bracarensis) were identified correctly by Vitek mass spectrometry (MS) v2.0 In Vitro Diagnosis system and Bruker Biotyper MS v3.1, but all were correct by the Vitek MS Research Use Only system. The Bruker ClinProTools software showed 100% recognition capability and cross validation for the discrimination of C. nivariensis and C. bracarensis.

Conclusion: Using Vitek MS Research Use Only and Bruker ClinProTools can overcome limitations of the Vitek MS In Vitro Diagnosis and Bruker Biotyper databases in the identification of C. glabrata complex.