Using of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and other methods for identification of microorganisms

Using of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and other methods for identification of microorganisms. Background MALDI-TOF MS (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry) method for identification of microorganisms appeared not long ago. It is based on analysis of cell proteome. The method has undergone rapid development recently and it gradually complemented or even substituted classical routine biochemical methods. It became highly important part of microbiological laboratories. An increase in its use contributed considerably to starting of effective therapies timely and resulted in shortening of time needed for medical care. Numerous laboratory techniques, that are available nowadays, can be applied for more detailed characterization of isolated microbes, when it is necessary. The molecular-biological methods are of the most importance, namely polymerase chain reaction (PCR), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis or whole gene sequencing (WGS) analysis. Aims Four particular groups of infectious agents (Campylobacter spp., Plesiomonas shigelloides, Citrobacter spp., Staphylococcus intermedius/Staphylococcus pseudintermedius) were described and/or reidentified by MALDI-TOF MS and other methods (PCR, RFLP, extended biochemical..