Fascioliasis is a neglected trematode infection caused by Fasciola gigantica and Fasciola hepatica.
Routine diagnosis of fascioliasis relies on macroscopic identification of adult worms in liver tissue
of slaughtered animals, and microscopic detection of eggs in fecal samples of animals and humans.
However, the diagnostic accuracy of morphological techniques and stool microscopy is low. Molecular diagnostics (e.g., polymerase chain reaction (PCR)) are more reliable, but these techniques are not
routinely available in clinical microbiology laboratories. Matrix-assisted laser/desorption ionization
time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) is a widely-used technique for identification
of bacteria and fungi; yet, standardized protocols and databases for parasite detection need to be
developed. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an in-house database for Fasciola
species-specific identification. To achieve this goal, the posterior parts of seven adult F. gigantica
and one adult F. hepatica were processed and subjected to MALDI-TOF MS to create main spectra
profiles (MSPs). Repeatability and reproducibility tests were performed to develop the database.
A principal component analysis revealed significant differences between the spectra of F. gigantica
and F. hepatica. Subsequently, 78 Fasciola samples were analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS using the
previously developed database, out of which 98.7% (n = 74) and 100% (n = 3) were correctly identified
as F. gigantica and F. hepatica, respectively. Log score values ranged between 1.73 and 2.23, thus
indicating a reliable identification. We conclude that MALDI-TOF MS can provide species-specific
identification of medically relevant liver flukes
