Abstract: An exact mass measurement ESI TOF mass spectrometer has been developed for fast pathogen identification and strain typing. This unique technology relies on mass spectrometry-derived base composition signatures of amplicons from PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) products, and “intelligent PCR primers” that target broadly conserved regions of microbial genomes that flank variable regions. This rapid detection (30 seconds per sample) and identification of microorganism methodology also associates with a potential biological warfare attack or a natural outbreak of an emerging infectious disease.
The strategy to build a high end and low cost ESI TOF machine will be discussed. The performance data particularly in accurate mass measurement, high resolving power and 24 hours stability test will be presented. The discovery of Swine flu virus H1N1 will be presented as an example to illustrate the procedure of detection and identification of microoganisms.