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Applications of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in clinical diagnostic microbiology

Croxatto, Antony ; Prod'hom, Guy ; Greub, Gilbert

In: FEMS Microbiology Reviews, 2012, vol. 36, no. 2, p. 380-407

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    Titre
    • Applications of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in clinical diagnostic microbiology
    Auteur
    • Croxatto, Antony. Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
    • Prod'hom, Guy. Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
    • Greub, Gilbert. Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
    Type de document
    • Postprint
    Identifiant OAI-PMH
    • oai:doc.rero.ch:296317
    Summary
    Until recently, microbial identification in clinical diagnostic laboratories has mainly relied on conventional phenotypic and gene sequencing identification techniques. The development of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) devices has revolutionized the routine identification of microorganisms in clinical microbiology laboratories by introducing an easy, rapid, high throughput, low-cost, and efficient identification technique. This technology has been adapted to the constraint of clinical diagnostic laboratories and has the potential to replace and/or complement conventional identification techniques for both bacterial and fungal strains. Using standardized procedures, the resolution of MALDI-TOF MS allows accurate identification at the species level of most Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains with the exception of a few difficult strains that require more attention and further development of the method. Similarly, the routine identification by MALDI-TOF MS of yeast isolates is reliable and much quicker than conventional techniques. Recent studies have shown that MALDI-TOF MS has also the potential to accurately identify filamentous fungi and dermatophytes, providing that specific standardized procedures are established for these microorganisms. Moreover, MALDI-TOF MS has been used successfully for microbial typing and identification at the subspecies level, demonstrating that this technology is a potential efficient tool for epidemiological studies and for taxonomical classification