Compilation of a MALDI-TOF mass spectral database for the rapid screening and characterisation of bacteria implicated in human infectious diseases.

A database of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS) profiles has been developed with the aim of establishing a high throughput system for the characterisation of microbes. Several parameters likely to affect the reproducibility of the mass spectrum of a taxon were exhaustively studied. These included such criteria as sample preparation, growth phase, culture conditions, sample storage, mass range of ions, reproducibility between instruments and the methodology prior to database entry.