Implementation of improved MALDI-TOF MS libraries for SBSEC subspecies identification in clinical practice

Abstract

The recent article by Öberg et al. reports the creation and validation of novel MALDI-TOF MS libraries for Streptococcus bovis/Streptococcus equinus-complex (SBSEC) subspecies identification adapted to diagnostic culturing and extraction conditions. Their SBSECCMRS-BAE library demonstrated near-perfect identification performance, surpassing the Bruker MBT Compass and prior broth-based libraries. This letter highlights the strengths of their work, compares it with other MALDI-TOF MS database refinement studies, and discusses its immediate clinical applicability and limitations. We commend their development of a practical tool facilitating accurate SBSEC subspecies-level diagnostics, potentially improving endocarditis and colorectal cancer risk stratification in bacteremic patients.