Performance of MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry (VITEK MS) in the Identification of Species.

is a major pathogen causing foodborne infections in humans. Salmonella isolates are identified using biochemical and serological tests, including automated systems such as the VITEK2 system. However, there are few reports on identification using VITEK MS. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the usefulness of MALDI-TOF VITEK MS for identification. A total of 1389 isolates were identified using VITEK MS ver3.0 or ver3.2. All isolates were confirmed by serotyping using the Kauffmann-White scheme, and the results were compared with the VITEK MS results. A total of 1389 isolates, including 66 serotypes, were correctly identified at the genus level by VITEK MS. However, these systems failed to correctly identify typhoidal . Among the five ssp. isolates, only one was correctly identified, whereas one and three isolates were partially identified and misidentified, respectively. On the other hand, the VITEK2 system successfully identified all typhoidal (Typhi and Paratyphi A) and ssp. isolates. VITEK MS was useful for identifying species isolated from clinical specimens; however, additional biochemical tests, such as the VITEK2 System, should be considered to accurately identify ser. Typhi, and ser. Paratyphi A.