MALDI-TOF MS for identification of porcine <i>Brachyspira</i> species

Abstract

Current methods for the discrimination of pathogenic Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and Brachyspira pilosicoli from Brachyspira species with low pathogenic potential have proven to be laborious and time-consuming and are therefore not suitable for routine diagnostics. This study describes the evaluation of MALDI-TOF MS for the identification of different porcine Brachyspira species in routine diagnostic laboratories. The results suggest that MALDI-TOF MS is an effective method for the identification of porcine Brachyspira spp. and accelerates diagnosis of swine dysentery and porcine intestinal spirochaetosis.