[Developing Diagnostic Tests for Infectious Diseases -MALDI-TOF MS and Genetic Diagnosis -].

Inappropriate antimicrobial therapy is associated with a worsening prognosis, and the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistance organisms has led to significant threats to clinical practice. Bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) are crucial tools for the treatment of bacterial infections. However, information regarding bacterial identification or AST is generally unavailable for clinical decisions regarding treatment for at least two days. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and genetic diagnosis are expected to be newer rapid diagnostic tests for infectious diseases, which contribute to the decision regarding appropriate antimicrobial agents. [Review].