MALDI-TOF Mass Spectroscopy Applications in Clinical Microbiology.

There is a range of proteomics methods to spot and analyze bacterial protein contents such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), which give comprehensive information about the microorganisms that may be helpful within the diagnosis and coverings of infections. Microorganism identification by mass spectrometry is predicted on identifying a characteristic spectrum of every species so matched with an outsized database within the instrument. MALDI-TOF MS is one of the diagnostic methods, which is a straightforward, quick, and precise technique, and is employed in microbial diagnostic laboratories these days and may replace other diagnostic methods.

Frequency of superantigen encoding genes of Staphylococcus aureus isolates collected from multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and nasal carriers.

Background: Bacterial superantigens are potent T cell activators that can have acute or chronic effects on the central nervous system.

Objectives: In this study, the role of enterotoxins, exfoliative toxins and toxic shock syndrome toxin of Staphylococcus aureus was investigated in MS patients and healthy nasal carriers.

Methods: Three-hundred fifty nasal swabs were collected from healthy nasal carriers (n = 210) and MS (n = 140) patients.