Usefulness and accuracy of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry as a supplementary tool to identify mosquito vector species and to invest in development of international database

Arthropod-borne diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality. The identification of vector species relies mainly on morphological features and/or molecular biology tools. The first method requires specific technical skills and may result in misidentifications, and the second method is time-consuming and expensive. The aim of the present study is to assess the usefulness and accuracy of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) as a supplementary tool with which to identify mosquito vector species and to invest in the creation of an international database. A total of 89 specimens belonging to 10 mosquito species were selected for the extraction of proteins from legs and for the establishment of a reference database. A blind test with 123 mosquitoes was performed to validate the MS method. Results showed that: (a) the spectra obtained in the study with a given species differed from the spectra of the same species collected in another country, which highlights the need for an international database; (b) MALDI-TOF MS is an accurate method for the rapid identification of mosquito species that are referenced in a database; (c) MALDI-TOF MS allows the separation of groups or complex species, and (d) laboratory specimens undergo a loss of proteins compared with those isolated in the field. In conclusion, MALDI-TOF MS is a useful supplementary tool for mosquito identification and can help inform vector control.