Identification of Clinical Isolates of α-Hemolytic Streptococci by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry Using MALDI Biotyper, and Conventional Phenotypic Methods: a Comparison

Fifty-six alpha-hemolytic streptococcal isolates were identified using MALDI Biotyper MS (Bruker Daltonics), API 20 Strep (bio-Merieux), and BD Phoenix (Becton, Dickinson). The gold standard for identification was 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis with 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer sequencing. The following percentages of isolates were correctly identified to the species level: MALDI Biotyper, 46%; BD Phoenix, 35%; and API 20 Strep, 26%.