Custom database development and biomarker discovery methods for MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry-based identification of high-consequence bacterial pathogens

J Microbiol Methods. 2017 Mar:134:54-57. doi: 10.1016/j.mimet.2017.01.009. Epub 2017 Jan 18.

Abstract

A high-quality custom database of MALDI-TOF mass spectral profiles was developed with the goal of improving clinical diagnostic identification of high-consequence bacterial pathogens. A biomarker discovery method is presented for identifying and evaluating MALDI-TOF MS spectra to potentially differentiate biothreat bacteria from less-pathogenic near-neighbour species.

Keywords: Bioterrorism bacterial pathogens; Biothreat; Genus Yersinia, Bacillus, Brucella; MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

MeSH terms

  • Bacillus / genetics
  • Bacillus / isolation & purification
  • Bacteria / genetics
  • Bacteria / isolation & purification*
  • Bacteria / pathogenicity*
  • Bacterial Infections / diagnosis
  • Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Bacterial Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Bacterial Typing Techniques*
  • Biological Warfare Agents
  • Biomarkers / analysis*
  • Brucella / genetics
  • Brucella / isolation & purification
  • Databases, Nucleic Acid*
  • Humans
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / methods*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / standards
  • Yersinia / genetics
  • Yersinia / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Biological Warfare Agents
  • Biomarkers