Typing of emm1 Group A Hemolytic Streptococci Using MALDI-TOF MS

Microbial identification techniques using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometers (MALDI-TOF MS) are becoming more common as the process of identification is faster and simpler than conventional methods. MALDI-TOF MS has already gained a position as an instrument for identification techniques. For further expansion, numerous efforts are being made to utilize MALDI instruments for microbial tests other than identification.
Recently, invasive infections caused by group A streptococcus (GAS) are on the increase. Among these, the emm1 group A streptococci has high pathogenicity, and its invasive infection cases indicate a significantly high possibility of developing into a fulminant form. It is said that both its case fatality rate and rate of complications are high.
This article introduces an example of differentiating between the highly pathogenic emm1 type and other types using MALDI-TOF MS and the statistical analysis software eMSTAT Solution.