Improvement of a MALDI-TOF database for the reliable identification of <i>Candidozyma auris</i> (formally <i>Candida auris</i> ) and related species

Importance <i>Candidozyma auris</i>, also known as <i>Candida auris</i>, has quickly spread across the world, and prompt identification of <i>C. auris</i> from infected individuals is critical. However, a standard identification method is lacking for the identification of <i>C. auris</i> in clinical and public health laboratories. To make matters worse, its biochemical assimilation profile was found to be similar to that of closely related and even no-related species, leading to frequent misidentification. To improve diagnostics of this and closely related species, we created a database of reference mass spectra resulting in the efficient and correct identification of all <i>Candidozyma</i> species by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Moreover, potential pathogenic species of <i>Candidozyma</i> can be effectively identified by MALDI-TOF MS, and differentiated from non-clinically relevant phylogenetic relatives. Thus, MALDI-TOF MS may help expedite laboratory diagnosis and treatment of <i>C. auris</i> and related species of clinical importance and help the clinician to decide on early treatment.