Resumen

MALDONADO, Natalia; ROBLEDO, Carlos  y  ROBLEDO, Jaime. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in clinical microbiology laboratories. Infect. [online]. 2018, vol.22, n.1, pp.35-45. ISSN 0123-9392.  https://doi.org/10.22354/in.v0i0.703.

Phenotypic methods used for the identification of microorganisms depend on metabolic processes that require minimum incubation times to achieve reliable

results. For this reason, MALDI-TOF MS (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry) has been established as a relevant methodology for the identification of microorganisms using analysis of proteins, through the creation of a mass spectrum specific for genus and species. In the present review, MALDI TOF MS is presented as an accurate technology for identifying bacteria, yeasts, molds and viruses; Its use allows reduction of the time to obtain an identification result, which may impact the costs of care and length of hospital stay. The identification of microorganisms directly from biological samples and the detection of mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance, promise an additional clinical and epidemiological impact with the development and implementation of this technology in clinical microbiology laboratories.

Palabras clave : MALDI-TOF MS; mass spectrometry; microbiological diagnostic; pathogen identification; proteomics; blood stream infection; urinary tract infection.

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