Rapid Identification of Complex Using Mass Spectrometry: A Proof of Concept.

Mycobacteria that form the complex are responsible for deadly tuberculosis in animals and patients. Identification of these pathogens at the species level is of primary importance for treatment and source tracing and currently relies on DNA analysis, including whole genome sequencing (WGS), which requires a whole day. In this study, we report the unprecedented discrimination of complex species using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), with WGS as the comparative reference standard.