Implementation of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry to identify moulds from the indoor environment as an added value to the classical microscopic identification tool

Abstract

During the last decades, the presence of moulds in the indoor environment has raised concern regarding their potential adverse health effects. The genera Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria and yeasts, the most common fungi found indoors, include species with a high allergenic and toxic potential. Identification of these moulds is generally performed by microscopy. However, this method rarely enables identification to the species level. In order to increase the accuracy of identification, MALDI-TOF MS analysis can be performed. In this study, 104 fungal air and dust isolates from 27 dwellings in Brussels were identified by both microscopy and MALDI-TOF MS analysis. A comparison of results obtained with both methods indicates an increased precision in identifications with MALDI-TOF MS analysis, emphasizing its highly added value to the standard microscopic analysis in routine practice.