Assessment of VITEK® 2, MALDI-TOF MS and full gene 16S rRNA sequencing for aerobic endospore-forming bacteria isolated from a pharmaceutical facility

VITEK®2, MALDI-TOF MS and 16S rRNA sequencing were evaluated for the identification of aerobic endospore-forming bacteria (AEB) from a pharmaceutical facility. MALDI-TOF MS demonstrated higher accuracy compared to VITEK®2, although both databases were insufficient to identify AEB species. Sequencing was the best methodology, but unable to identify closely related species. [Display omitted] •VITEK® 2 was not effective for AEB identification.•VITEK® 2 and MALDI-TOF MS databases are not updated with most AEB species.1•16S rRNA sequencing was the best method for AEB identification.•Bacillus and Paenibacillus were the main isolated genera.•Five possible new species were isolated.