Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and molecular techniques (16S rRNA gene sequencing) permit the identification of rare bacterial pathogens in routine diagnostics. The goal of this protocol lies in the combination of both techniques which leads to more accurate and reliable data.
Schröttner, P., Gunzer, F., Schüppel, J., Rudolph, W. W. Identification of Rare Bacterial Pathogens by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS. J. Vis. Exp. (113), e53176, doi:10.3791/53176 (2016).