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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
06:34
Identification of Rare Bacterial Pathogens by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS
Published on: July 11, 2016
Rapid Multiplex Antimicrobial Resistance Profiling and Bacterial Identification by LAP-MALDI Mass Spectrometry
Lily R Adair1, Shabnam Iyer2, Ian M Jones3
1Department of Chemistry, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire, UK.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|July 31, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a rapid, multiplex assay for antibiotic resistance testing. Liquid atmospheric pressure MALDI accurately identifies multi-drug resistant bacteria within three hours, improving patient treatment.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Mass Spectrometry
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Accurate antimicrobial resistance characterization is crucial for patient outcomes.
- Multi-drug resistant infections necessitate multiple diagnostic tests.
- Conventional methods can be time-consuming and less comprehensive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid, multiplex functional assay for antibiotic resistance and susceptibility testing.
- To leverage next-generation MALDI biotyping technology for enhanced diagnostics.
- To provide faster and more accurate identification of resistant bacterial strains.
Main Methods:
- Utilized liquid atmospheric pressure (LAP) matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI).
- Employed a beta-lactam antibiotic panel for resistance profiling.
- Integrated species identification via lipid and protein profiles and protein sequencing using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS).
Main Results:
- Accurate determination of antibiotic resistance/susceptibility within three hours from <5 µL of bacterial culture.
- Reliable classification of strains with common resistance genes (OXA-48, KPC-3, VIM-1) and susceptible isolates.
- Achieved up to 100% accuracy in species identification through lipid and protein profiling.
Conclusions:
- LAP-MALDI offers a next-generation diagnostic tool for clinical microbiology.
- The assay enables rapid, multi-drug testing, species identification, and protein sequencing.
- This technology advances antimicrobial stewardship with less probabilistic diagnostic possibilities than conventional MALDI biotyping.
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