Use of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis for rapid confirmation of Burkholderia pseudomallei in septicemic melioidosis.

Burkholderia pseudomallei was quickly identified from blood cultures collected from septicemic patients by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis using an in-house reference library. This procedure reduced the time to definitive identification by more than 24 hours. This analysis is a useful addition to laboratory methods for early recognition of septicemic melioidosis in non-endemic settings.