Identification of ovine-associated staphylococci by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

Abstract The objective of this study was to use matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation–time flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the identification ovine-associated staphylococci. Presumptive Staphylococcus isolates were recovered from ovine udder surface (US), individual raw milk, bulk tank and cheese samples characterised by conventional phenotypic methods. A total 69 bacterial further confirmed MALDI-TOF MS. Forty-two (60.9%) successfully identified on genus species level. Two thirds ( n = 28) 42 shown be spp. These 28 staphylococcal formed two clusters, one consisting 22 aureus strains other composed 6 non- staphylococci, including S. simulans 3), auricularis , equorum haemolyticus . MS has proven a reliable tool staphylococci sheep's especially milk; however, currently it appears less useful originating US samples. This is first evaluate applicability in cheese, Hungary.