Detection and quantification of Plasmodium falciparum in human blood by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry: a proof of concept study
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Detection and quantification of Plasmodium falciparum in human blood by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry : a proof of concept study. / Stauning, Marius Ahm; Jensen, Christian Salgård; Staalsøe, Trine; Kurtzhals, Jørgen A L.
In: Malaria Journal, Vol. 22, 285, 2023.Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Detection and quantification of Plasmodium falciparum in human blood by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry
T2 - a proof of concept study
AU - Stauning, Marius Ahm
AU - Jensen, Christian Salgård
AU - Staalsøe, Trine
AU - Kurtzhals, Jørgen A L
N1 - © 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.
PY - 2023
Y1 - 2023
N2 - BACKGROUND: Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) has revolutionized identification of bacteria and is becoming available in an increasing number of laboratories in malaria-endemic countries. The purpose of this proof-of-concept study was to explore the potential of MALDI-TOF as a diagnostic tool for direct detection and quantification of Plasmodium falciparum in human blood.METHODS: Three different P. falciparum strains (3D7, HB3 and IT4) were cultured and synchronized following standard protocols. Ring-stages were diluted in fresh blood group 0 blood drawn in EDTA from healthy subjects to mimic clinical samples. Samples were treated with saponin and washed in PBS to concentrate protein material. Samples were analysed using a Microflex LT MALDI-TOF and resulting mass spectra were compared using FlexAnalysis software.RESULTS: More than 10 peaks specific for P. falciparum were identified. The identified peaks were consistent among the three genetically unrelated strains. Identification was possible in clinically relevant concentrations of 0.1% infected red blood cells, and a close relationship between peak intensity and the percentage of infected red blood cells was seen.CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that the method has the potential to detect and quantify P. falciparum at clinically relevant infection intensities and provides proof-of-concept for MALDI-TOF-based diagnosis of human malaria. Further research is needed to include other Plasmodium spp., wildtype parasite isolates and to increase sensitivity. MALDI-TOF may be a useful tool for mass-screening purposes and for diagnosis of malaria in settings where it is readily available.
AB - BACKGROUND: Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) has revolutionized identification of bacteria and is becoming available in an increasing number of laboratories in malaria-endemic countries. The purpose of this proof-of-concept study was to explore the potential of MALDI-TOF as a diagnostic tool for direct detection and quantification of Plasmodium falciparum in human blood.METHODS: Three different P. falciparum strains (3D7, HB3 and IT4) were cultured and synchronized following standard protocols. Ring-stages were diluted in fresh blood group 0 blood drawn in EDTA from healthy subjects to mimic clinical samples. Samples were treated with saponin and washed in PBS to concentrate protein material. Samples were analysed using a Microflex LT MALDI-TOF and resulting mass spectra were compared using FlexAnalysis software.RESULTS: More than 10 peaks specific for P. falciparum were identified. The identified peaks were consistent among the three genetically unrelated strains. Identification was possible in clinically relevant concentrations of 0.1% infected red blood cells, and a close relationship between peak intensity and the percentage of infected red blood cells was seen.CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that the method has the potential to detect and quantify P. falciparum at clinically relevant infection intensities and provides proof-of-concept for MALDI-TOF-based diagnosis of human malaria. Further research is needed to include other Plasmodium spp., wildtype parasite isolates and to increase sensitivity. MALDI-TOF may be a useful tool for mass-screening purposes and for diagnosis of malaria in settings where it is readily available.
U2 - 10.1186/s12936-023-04719-8
DO - 10.1186/s12936-023-04719-8
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 37752504
VL - 22
JO - Malaria Journal
JF - Malaria Journal
SN - 1475-2875
M1 - 285
ER -
ID: 367910917