Chapter 14 - Mass spectrometry of infectious pathogens

Abstract

The soft ionization mass spectrometry (MS) techniques such as matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and electrospray ionization (ESI) are making new inroads into a number of new MS applications in life sciences and medicine. The current paradigm for rapid MS identifications of pathogens relies on the detection and identification of unique biomarker molecules from experimental mass spectra. Structural elucidation of the unique chemical biomarkers from different organisms has been achieved by MS. The signature composition and abundances allowed taxonomic distinctions between the microorganisms to be made. MS is an emerging biosensor technology for diagnosis of infectious diseases with several practical advantages such as speed, sensitivity, and specificity. MS can be interfaced to a variety of sample collection and sample processing modules to allow versatile sampling from different environments. MS can be automated and it is also computer-friendly such as the latest developments in bioinformatics can be coupled to MS experimental data for robust pathogen diagnosis. Furthermore, MS instruments can be miniaturized and deployed in the field. This chapter discusses MALDI MS for rapid identification of intact Bacillus spore species, as well as LD MS for detection in blood of Plasmodium parasites (the causative agent of malaria).