MALDI-TOF-MS analysis used to identify biomarkers in TB drug analysis

MALDI-TOF-MS analysis has been used to identify antigens that can be used for the serodiagnosis of drug-resistant M.

Results from the test found that Rv2031c, Rv3692, and Rv0444c could be candidate biomarkers for effective use in the serodiagnosis of drug-resistant tuberculosis infections. Combining a formula of these antigens should be a top consideration when designing a subunit assay kit, according to the researchers.

The researchers were able to reach their results by subjecting a serum from patients infected with drug-resistant or drug-susceptible M. tuberculosis strains and healthy controls to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis using a western blot approach. Nine immunoreactive proteins were then subjected to MALDI-TOF-MS analysis, of which six were expressed and used to determine the immuno-reactivity of 100 serum samples.

They found that the best sensitivity and specificity of rRv3692 were 37 per cent and 95 per cent respectively. Additionally, when rRv2031c and rRv3692 or rRv2031c, rRv3692, and rRv0444c were combined in 2:1 or equal amounts, the assay sensitivity and specificity were improved to 56.7 per cent and 100 per cent respectively.

Posted by Fiona Griffiths