MALDI mass spectrometry and infectious diseases

Abstract

MALDI mass spectrometry is an emerging technology that has revolutionized the field of diagnostic microbiology. MALDI mass spectrometry has the potential to significantly impact the field of infectious diseases as new technology emerges. In particular, the use of histology-directed MALDI-MS profiling of biofluids and tissues presents a way to potentially perform bacterial typing and monitor host response without an additional culture step to culture the microorganism. MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry is another attractive technology to study the pathogen-host interaction within infected tissues. This allows an unprecedented view of the molecular changes associated with infection. Pairing advanced Imaging Mass Spectrometry with emerging analyte identification strategies, the identity of these molecular changes can be determined. Utilizing such technologies could revolutionize the study of microbial pathogenesis and may reveal a number of novel targets for future antimicrobial intervention.