[Application of mass spectrometry in mycology]

Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin. 2016 Jun:34 Suppl 2:26-30. doi: 10.1016/S0213-005X(16)30187-2.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

MALDI-TOF (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight) mass spectrometry (MS) is becoming an essential tool in most microbiology laboratories. At present, by using a characteristic fungal profile obtained from whole cells or through simple extraction protocols, MALDI-TOF MS allows the identification of pathogenic fungi with a high performance potential. This methodology decreases the laboratory turnaround time, optimizing the detection of mycoses. This article describes the state-of-the-art of the use of MALDI-TOF MS for the detection of human clinical fungal pathogens in the laboratory and discusses the future applications of this technology, which will further improve routine mycological diagnosis.

Keywords: Fungi; Hongos; Identificación; Identification; MALDI-TOF; Micología; Mycology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnostic Tests, Routine
  • Forecasting
  • Fungemia / diagnosis
  • Fungemia / microbiology
  • Fungi / isolation & purification*
  • Humans
  • Mycological Typing Techniques
  • Mycology / methods*
  • Mycology / trends
  • Mycoses / diagnosis*
  • Mycoses / microbiology
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / methods*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / trends