Comparison of automatic methods MALDI-TOF, VITEK2 and manual methods for the identification of intestinal microbial communities on the example of samples from alpacas ().

Introduction: Universally, in microbiological diagnostics the detection of live bacteria is essential. Rapid identification of pathogens enables appropriate remedial measures to be taken. The identification of many bacteria simultaneously facilitates the determination of the characteristics of the accompanying microbiota and/or the microbiological complexity of a given environment.

Material And Methods: The effectiveness of the VITEK2 Compact automated microbial identification system and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), analytical profile index (API) and Remel RapID tests were compared in identification of bacteria isolated from the alpaca gastrointestinal tract.

Results: Most isolates were Gram-positive, such as and and , , and ; ; ; ; ; , , and (the last only isolated manually by API Coryne and the VITEK2 system and (CBC) card). was misidentified by MALDI-TOF MS as (currently ). Gram-positive and Gram-variable were also isolated. Gram-negative , , and ; ; subsp. ; and ; , and ; subsp. ; ; ; ; ; and were also found. The yeasts and were also present.

Conclusion: MALDI-TOF MS enabled the identification of pathogens and opportunistic pathogens from the alpaca gut which may represent a high risk to human and animal health.