title: Use of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in the battle against bacterial infectious diseases: recent achievements and future perspectives.
abstract: Advancements in microbial identification occur increasingly faster as more laboratories explore, refine and extend the use of mass spectrometry in the field of microbiology. Areas covered: This review covers the latest knowledge found in the literature for quick identification of various classes of bacterial pathogens known to cause human infection by the use of MALDI-TOF MS technology. Except for identification of bacterial strains, more researchers try to 'battle time' in favor of the patient. These novel approaches to identify bacteria directly from clinical samples and even determine antibiotic resistance are extensively revised and discussed. Expert commentary: Mass spectrometry is the future of bacterial identification and creates a new era in modern microbiology. Its incorporation in routine practice seems to be not too far, providing a valuable alternative, especially in terms of time, to conventional techniques. If the technology further advances, quick bacterial identification and probable identification of common antibiotic resistance might guide patient decision-making regarding bacterial infectious diseases in the near future.
authors.affiliation: a Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, School of Medicine , University of Crete , Heraklion , Greece.
authors.forename: Vassilios
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sandalakis
authors.affiliation: a Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, School of Medicine , University of Crete , Heraklion , Greece.
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Goniotakis
authors.affiliation: a Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, School of Medicine , University of Crete , Heraklion , Greece.
authors.forename: Iosif
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Vranakis
authors.affiliation: a Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, School of Medicine , University of Crete , Heraklion , Greece.
authors.forename: Dimosthenis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chochlakis
authors.affiliation: a Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, School of Medicine , University of Crete , Heraklion , Greece.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Psaroulaki
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000472:pathogenicity; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000235:genetics* / Q000382:microbiology; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / Q000379:methods*
keywords: MALDI-TOF/MS; antibiotic; bacteria; identification; rapid; resistance; spectra