Accuracy of two Sepsityper MALDI-TOF MS methods for bacterial identification in bloodstream infections in dogs, foals, and calves using Bayesian latent class model

Conventional culture method identified 173 bacteria with <i>Escherichia coli</i> (19.1%,33/173), <i>Staphylococcus</i> spp. (12.1%,21/173) and <i>Streptococcus</i> spp. (8.1%,14/173) being most common. Sensitivity of Rapid Sepsityper^®, Sepsityper^® Extraction, and conventional culture method was 62.1%, 86.1%, and 97.4%, respectively. Specificity was 94.3%, 90.4% and 92.3%, and accuracy was 85.8%, 89.3%, and 93.6%, respectively. Mean time-to-positivity and ±standard deviation for blood cultures flagging positive was 21h25min ±17.8h. Rapid Sepsityper^® identified bacteria in approximately 30min, while Sepsityper^® Extraction method required around 50min, and conventional culture method needed 12-48h. Altogether, Sepsityper^® Extraction shows promise given the sensitivity and results were delivered more rapidly than conventional culture. Enhancing diagnostic workflow, resulting in a better prognosis, reduced hospital stays, and lower healthcare costs due to more rational use of (critically important) antimicrobials.