Application of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry for identification of the fastidious pediatric pathogens Aggregatibacter, Eikenella, Haemophilus, and Kingella.

The accuracy of matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) in the identification of Haemophilus, Aggregatibacter, Cardiobacterium, Eikenella, and Kingella (HACEK) species was compared to that of phenotypic methods (Remel RapID and Vitek 2). Overall, Vitek MS correctly identified more isolates, incorrectly identified fewer isolates, and failed to identify fewer isolates than both phenotypic methods.