Abstract: Introduction: Acinetobacter is a genus that comprises a group of opportunistic pathogens responsible for a variety of nosocomial infections. The Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-Acinetobacter baumannii (Acb) complex includes some species of clinical importance, mainly A. baumannii, A. pittii and A. nosocomialis, which share phenotypic similarities that make it very difficult to distinguish between them using a phenotypic approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate two commercial matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) systems for the identification of different Acinetobacter species, with a special focus among those belonging to the Acb complex. Methods: One hundred and fifty-six Acinetobacter spp. clinical strains, identified by amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) and rpoB gene sequencing, were analysed by two different MALDI-TOF systems. Results: Considering only the 144 strains of the Acb complex evaluated in this study, the Vitek-MS? and Microflex LT? systems correctly identified 129 (89.6%) and 143 (99.3%) strains, respectively. Conclusion: After analysing 156 strains belonging to Acinetobacter spp., both Vitek-MS? and Microflex LT? proved to be rapid and accurate systems for the identification of Acb complex species showing a good correlation. However, both manufacturers should improve their databases to include new species in them.

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