Application of MALDI-TOF MS for Discrimination of Species Possessing Highly Conserved Ribosomal RNA Gene Sequences

Introduction

A microorganism identification system which uses a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF MS), unlike any of the conventional methods, is attracting attention recently as it offers a fast, simple bacterial identification method. The conventional 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis method is widely used for quick identification of bacteria, but due to the high homology of 16S rRNA gene sequences depending on the bacterial strain, there are cases where identification may be difficult. Here, using the AXIMA Microorganism Identification System, consisting of the AXIMA MALDI-TOF MS developed by Shimadzu in conjunction with our database search sof tware for microorganism identification, we introduce the results of our investigation of the identification capability of the MALDI-TOF MS in discriminating among strains of Escherichia, in which the homology rate of the 16S rRNA gene sequence is greater than 95 %. Note: For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

January 27, 2012 GMT