Integrating Machine Learning with MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry for Rapid and Accurate Antimicrobial Resistance Detection in Clinical Pathogens.

Journal: International journal of molecular sciences
PMID:

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most pressing public health challenges of the 21st century. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of mass spectral data generated by VITEK MS instruments for predicting antibiotic resistance in , , and using machine learning algorithms. Additionally, the potential of pre-trained models was assessed through transfer learning analysis. A dataset comprising 2229 mass spectra was collected, and classification algorithms, including Support Vector Machines, Random Forest, Logistic Regression, and CatBoost, were applied to predict resistance. CatBoost demonstrated a clear advantage over the other models, effectively handling complex non-linear relationships within the spectra and achieving an AUROC of 0.91 and an F1 score of 0.78 for . In contrast, transfer learning yielded suboptimal results. These findings highlight the potential of gradient-boosting techniques to enhance resistance prediction, particularly with data from less conventional platforms like VITEK MS. Furthermore, the identification of specific biomarkers using SHAP values indicates promising potential for clinical applications in early diagnosis. Future efforts focused on standardizing data and refining algorithms could expand the utility of these approaches across diverse clinical environments, supporting the global fight against AMR.

Authors

  • Xaviera A López-Cortés
    Department of Computer Sciences and Industries, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, 3480112, Chile; Centro de Innovación en Ingeniería Aplicada (CIIA), Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, 3480112, Chile. Electronic address: xlopez@ucm.cl.
  • José M Manríquez-Troncoso
    Department of Computer Sciences and Industries, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, 3480112, Chile.
  • Alejandra Yáñez Sepúlveda
    Departamento de Computación e Industrias, Facultad de Ciencias de la Ingeniería, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca 3460000, Chile.
  • Patricio Suazo Soto
    Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Talca, Campus Talca, Avda. Lircay s/n, Talca 3460000, Chile.