Bloodstream infection caused by Bacteroides denticanum, a close relative of Bacteroides pyogenes, misidentified by MALDI TOF- mass spectrometry.

Abstract Bacteroides pyogenes can cause infections in humans. We describe a case of bloodstream infection caused by Bacteroides denticanum that probably originated from a dog bite. MALDI-TOF MS misidentified this new species as B. pyogenes. Subsequent analysis using the 16S rRNA sequencing approach identified the species as B. denticanum. Highlights • Bacteroides denticanum bloodstream infection was described. • MALDI TOF MS misidentified Bacteroides denticanum as Bacteroides pyogenes. • 16S rRNA sequencing is needed for distinguishing between these related species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]