Advanced methods of bacteriological identification in a clinical microbiology laboratory
Magdalena Żukowska
Abstract
Introduction and objective. Conventional, culture-based methods of bacterial identification and drug-susceptibility testing are considered the gold standard in medical microbiology. In recent years, classical microbiological methods have been supplemented with modern analytical and molecular methods. The aim of the review was to discusses the methods which have been permanently adapted to bacteriological microbiological diagnostics. Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge. Currently, PCR, as well as other nucleic acid amplification tests and sequencing techniques, are part of the standard repertoire of microbiological diagnostics. With regard to the quality and speed of pathogen identification, the introduction of mass spectrometry techniques into routine microbiological diagnostics work-up has been revolutionary. Within a short time in many laboratories, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation -Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI TOF MS) systems have almost completely replaced conventional biochemical pathogen identification.