Impact of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry on the Clinical Management of Patients With Gram-negative Bacteremia: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

In a low prevalence area for extended spectrum betalactamases (ESBL) and multiresistant gram-negative bacteria, MALDI-TOF performed on blood culture pellets had an impact on the clinical management of 35.1% of all gram-negative bacteremia cases, demonstrating a greater impact than Gram stain reporting. Thus, MALDI-TOF could become a vital second step beside Gram stain in guiding the empirical treatment of patients with bloodstream infection.