Application status of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in the identification and drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Characterizing Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and detecting its drug resistance are challenging for clinical laboratory diagnosis, largely due to its slow growth and higher rate of genetic mutation. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a revolutionary technique for the routine identification of microorganisms. In this review, we discuss the application status of mass spectrometry in the identification and drug resistance of M. tuberculosis.