USE OF PROBES FOR MASS SPECTROMETRIC IDENTIFICATION OF MICROORGANISMS OR CELLS AND ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS OF INTEREST

摘要

This invention pertains to identifying one or more hybridization probes sequestered within (or optionally released from the intact) cells or microorganisms by mass spectrometry to thereby determine a trait of the cells or microorganisms and/or to identify the cells or microorganisms themselves. The cells or microorganisms can come from a subject and the information obtained from the mass spectrometry analysis may, if clinically relevant, optionally be used to diagnose and/or treat the subject.

主权项

1. A method comprising: 1) contacting microorganisms or cells of a sample with one or more hybridization probes for a period of time and under conditions sufficient for said hybridization probes to sequence specifically hybridize to their respective target sequences, if present, within said microorganisms or cells; 2) washing said microorganisms or cells to remove excess hybridization probes; and 3) analyzing said microorganisms or cells by mass spectrometry to identify one or more hybridization probes retained within said microorganisms or cells at a time after performing step 2.