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Negative-Ion Mode MALDI-TOF MS Combined with Machine Learning for the Rapid Identification of Colistin-Resistant E. cloacae Complex

delete2026-06-13
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OA
AI
Y
Yulu Shi
X
Xuemei Gou
Q
Qingfeng Li
J
Jiming Wu
Q
Qirui Zhao
Y
Yuhui Chen
W
Wenhao Luo
Y
Yang Yang
X
Xushan Liang
W
Wenzhang Long
J
Jianmin Wang
J
Jisheng Zhang *
X
Xiaoli Zhang *
DOI:10.1021/acsomega.6c01504delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
The Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) comprises major nosocomial pathogens and is increasingly resistant to last-line agents such as colistin. Here, we developed a rapid workflow that integrates negative-ion mode MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry with machine learning to identify colistin-resistant ECC (COL-R-ECC). We analyzed 267 clinical ECC isolates; species identification was performed by MALDI-TOF MS and verified by whole-genome sequencing. A one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) with a squeeze-and-excitation (SE) module was trained on spectra from 217 isolates and evaluated on an independent external cohort of 50 isolates. To enhance analytical specificity, we applied a standardized lipid extraction protocol and focused on lipid A–enriched signals (m/z 1500–3000). Spectra were binned at 0.1 Da and smoothed using a Savitzky–Golay filter. The optimized model achieved 95.5% accuracy (AUROC = 0.986; F1 = 0.943) in internal testing and 96.0% accuracy (F1 = 0.960) in external validation, outperforming conventional machine-learning baselines. SHAP analysis highlighted 30 lipid-associated features that contributed most to the predictions, providing interpretable clues to potential resistance mechanisms. Overall, this workflow enables COL-R-ECC identification within ∼1 h from colony processing, substantially faster than standard susceptibility testing, and may support earlier targeted therapy and infection control.
Keywords:
Antimicrobial agents
Lipids
Mass spectrometry
Mathematical methods
Modification

Journal

ACS Omega cover
ACS Omega
IF:
4.3
Papers:
3.3W
Citations:
9.8W

Organization

C
Chongqing Medical University
Scholars:
5.9K
Papers: 1.5K
Citations: 2.8W
U
university kebangsaan malaysia
Scholars:
47
Papers: 26
Citations: 0
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