Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry in the diagnosis of microorganisms

Abstract

Microbiology culture is the gold standard method for identifying microorganisms. This identification protocol takes several days to complete. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a technique that can identify different microorganisms quickly and accurately. The objective of this work was to evaluate the use of MALDI-TOF MS in the routine of clinical laboratories to identify microorganisms and to identify their resistance to antimicrobials. This study evaluated the relevance of the MALDI-TOF MS technique for microbiological diagnosis through a literature review. The authors found that MALDI-TOF MS can identify bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites, even in blood cultures, and also serves to assess antimicrobial resistance. Thus, MALDI-TOF MS can become an indispensable tool in laboratory diagnosis.