Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry for the Identification of Bacteria and Yeasts in a Clinical Microbiological Laboratory: A Review (Original Article) (Report‪)‬

INTRODUCTION Identification of bacteria and yeasts is generally based on conventional phenotypic methods, encompassing culture and growth patterns on specific media, Gram staining, and morphological and biochemical characteristics. Although results of Gram staining can be achieved within minutes, complete identification usually takes 1 or more days. In addition, tests may be difficult to interpret or inconclusive and require specialized staff. Recent molecular methods for microbial identification, such as real-time PCR, sequence analysis, or microarray analysis, have found some application in bacteriology. However, these methods are expensive and do require specialized equipment and trained staff and thus, as such, molecular methods do not provide the complete solution in routine bacterial identifications. To optimize care of patients with infectious diseases, there still is an urgent need for rapid, inexpensive and simple techniques for microbial identification.