Performance evaluation of a novel MBT LipidART module (Bruker Daltonics) for detection of colistin resistance in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae

We evaluated the MBT LipidART module on a MALDI Biotyper® Sirius System (Bruker Daltonics) for the rapid detection of colistin resistance in Escherichia coli (EC) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPN) by analysing lipid A profiles in negative ion mode. Categorical agreement was achieved for 98.3% EC (N = 58) and 85.0% KPN (N = 40). Challenges included calibration difficulties, limited availability of compatible equipment and issues with mucoid and adherent KPN isolates that yielded invalid results. While MBT LipidART module shows promise as a rapid tool for detection of colistin resistance, its performance was notably better for EC compared to KPN.