MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry as a diagnostic tool in human and veterinary helminthology: a systematic review

Parasites & Vectors

Sören L. Becker¹  Maureen Feucherolles²  Jürg Utzinger³  Sven Poppert³ 

[1] 0000 0001 2167 7588, grid.11749.3a, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany;0000 0004 0587 0574, grid.416786.a, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland;0000 0004 1937 0642, grid.6612.3, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland;0000 0001 2167 7588, grid.11749.3a, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany;grid.423669.c, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, Environmental Research and Innovation, Belvaux, Luxembourg;0000 0004 0587 0574, grid.416786.a, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland;0000 0004 1937 0642, grid.6612.3, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland;

关键词: Diagnosis;    Helminths;    MALDI-TOF;    Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight;    Neglected tropical diseases;    Parasites;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13071-019-3493-9

来源: publisher

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundMatrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) has become a widely used technique for the rapid and accurate identification of bacteria, mycobacteria and certain fungal pathogens in the clinical microbiology laboratory. Thus far, only few attempts have been made to apply the technique in clinical parasitology, particularly regarding helminth identification.MethodsWe systematically reviewed the scientific literature on studies pertaining to MALDI-TOF MS as a diagnostic technique for helminths (cestodes, nematodes and trematodes) of medical and veterinary importance. Readily available electronic databases (i.e. PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched from inception to 10 October 2018, without restriction on year of publication or language. The titles and abstracts of studies were screened for eligibility by two independent reviewers. Relevant articles were read in full and included in the systematic review.ResultsA total of 84 peer-reviewed articles were considered for the final analysis. Most papers reported on the application of MALDI-TOF for the study of Caenorhabditis elegans, and the technique was primarily used for identification of specific proteins rather than entire pathogens. Since 2015, a small number of studies documented the successful use of MALDI-TOF MS for species-specific identification of nematodes of human and veterinary importance, such as Trichinella spp. and Dirofilaria spp. However, the quality of available data and the number of examined helminth samples was low.ConclusionsData on the use of MALDI-TOF MS for the diagnosis of helminths are scarce, but recent evidence suggests a potential role for a reliable identification of nematodes. Future research should explore the diagnostic accuracy of MALDI-TOF MS for identification of (i) adult helminths, larvae and eggs shed in faecal samples; and (ii) helminth-related proteins that are detectable in serum or body fluids of infected individuals.

【 授权许可】

CC BY