Comparison of VITEK 2, MALDI-TOF MS, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and whole-genome sequencing for identification of Roseomonas mucosa. (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rudolph, Wolfram W.; Gunzer, Florian; Trauth, Melanie; Bunk, Boyke; Bigge, Richard; Schröttner, Percy
• Is Part Of: Microbial pathogenesis. Volume 134(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: Roseomonas mucosa -- MALDI-TOF MS -- 16S rRNA gene sequencing -- VITEK 2 -- Average nucleotide identity; Pathogenic microorganisms -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- microbiology -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- parasitology -- Periodicals; Micro-organismes pathogènes -- Périodiques; Pathologie moléculaire -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.9041
• DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103576
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0882-4010

Abstract

Abstract: The bacterial species Roseomonas mucosa is pathogenic in humans, and although it is rarely detected during routine diagnostics, it is becoming increasingly important clinically. For a long time, R. mucosa was regarded as a classic environmental bacterium. Recent studies, however, revealed that it is part of the physiological human skin flora and mainly affects immunocompromised patients. Furthermore, the use of catheter systems may increase the risk of contracting R. mucosa infections. The bacterium has been linked to severe infections, such asbacteraemia, osteomyelitis andcellulitis . Therefore, it is important to discern the best method of identifying R. mucosa in routine laboratory testing. To facilitate this testing, we compared three suitable methods for routine bacterial identification in the laboratory: VITEK 2, MALDI-TOF MS and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Additionally, we conducted whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and calculated the average nucleotide identity (ANI). ANI is seen as the gold standard of strain identification; therefore, we decided to use it as a reference method. Both MALDI-TOF MS and 16S rRNA gene sequencing confidently identified the species. However, when using the VITEK 2 technique, isolates were misidentified as Roseomonas gilardii, Rhizobium radiobacter, or Sphingomonas paucimobilis . When conducting WGS and determining the ANI, it became obvious that one isolate belonged to the species R. gilardii rather than R. mucosa . Therefore (although not yet applicable in routine diagnostics), we suggest that WGS is presently the most appropriate technique to reliably identify Roseomonas mucosa . However, after expanding the Biotyper database, MALDI-TOF MS could also be an applicable method. Highlights: VITEK 2 may lead to a false species identification. MALDI TOF MS Scores ≤2.0 may indicate a false species identification. ANI is a suitable reference method for species identification.