Mass spectrometry-based Methods for the Identification of Bacteria: A Systematic Review

Background: Traditional methods for bacterial identification have often been limited by the lack of advanced mass spectrometry (MS) assays. The advent of novel MS techniques has the potential to revolutionize bacterial detection and screening.

Aim: The purpose of this review is to assess and compare various mass spectrometry techniques applied to bacterial detection. We aim to identify the strengths and limitations of each method to understand their effectiveness and potential applications better.

Methods: This systematic review was conducted following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines for observational studies [31]. We performed an extensive search using electronic databases, including PubMed, as well as additional sources relevant to mass spectrometry (MS) and bacterial identification. Keywords used in the search included mass spectrometer, microbiology, bacteria, identification, and detection. Our inclusion criteria focused on original research articles written in English and published between January 2019 and January 2024. We reviewed bibliographies of these articles to ensure comprehensive coverage of relevant studies.

Results: The initial search yielded 4,690 studies from PubMed and 1,409 from other databases. After removing duplicates and irrelevant studies (3,425 from PubMed and 3,308 from other sources), 117 full-text studies were assessed for eligibility. Of these, 37 studies were excluded due to their focus on other aspects of microbiology rather than bacterial identification. Additionally, 76 studies were excluded for various reasons, such as methodological limitations or lack of relevance. Ultimately, six studies that specifically addressed the use of MS for bacterial detection and identification were selected for detailed analysis.

Conclusion: The review highlights that integrating PCR analysis with mass spectrometry could enhance bacterial identification techniques. Specifically, MALDI-TOF MS (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry) has demonstrated considerable promise in improving the efficiency and accuracy of bacterial detection in laboratory settings. The combined approach of PCR and MS offers a robust platform for enhancing bacterial identification and could lead to significant advancements in microbiological research and diagnostics.