Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry-Based Functional Assay for Rapid Detection of Resistance against β-Lactam Antibiotics

Resistance against β-lactam antibiotics is a growing challenge for managing severe bacterial infections. The rapid and cost-efficient determination of β-lactam resistance is an important prerequisite for the choice of an adequate antibiotic therapy. β-Lactam resistance is based mainly on the expression/overexpression of β-lactamases, which destroy the central β-lactam ring of these drugs by hydrolysis. Hydrolysis corresponds to a mass shift of...