Rapid bacterial characterization and identification by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

Abstract

Bacterial infections account for a large proportion of people admitted to hospitals each year as well as some acquired by patients already in medical care. These can arise from the ingestion of contaminated food or exposure to nonsterile environments through wounds where opportunistic pathogenic bacteria are present. The symptoms and treatment of these illnesses vary and although some clues can be obtained from observing a patient's symptoms, the causative agent needs to be determined in order for a complete understanding of the nature of the infection, its origin, and the appropriate treatment. It is therefore of immense importance to characterize and identify bacteria wherever they are found in significant quantities, not only to aid clinicians with their diagnosis but also to prevent outbreaks of infections from potential medical, environmental, or terrorist sources. Furthermore, the identification of bacteria needs to be as rapid as possible. In this chapter, the use mass of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is discussed as an emerging technology for the rapid characterization and identification of bacteria. © 2006 Springer.