Display method, program, and microorganism determination system

Abstract

A display method according to the present disclosure comprises: a step for accepting information relating to a microorganism of interest; a step for acquiring a mass spectrum obtained by performing mass spectrometry of a sample; a step for estimating a microorganism included in the sample on the basis of the mass spectrum and acquiring information relating to the microorganism estimated to be included in the sample; a step for determining whether the information relating to the microorganism of interest matches the information relating to the microorganism estimated to be included in the sample; and a step for displaying the determination result obtained in the determination step.

Description

Display method, program, and microorganism determination system

[0001] The present invention relates to a display method, a program, and a microorganism determination system, and more particularly to the display of microorganism determination results.

[0002] In recent years, methods for distinguishing microorganisms using mass spectrometry have been developed, which can be carried out more quickly and at lower cost than conventional methods for distinguishing microorganisms by comparing DNA base sequences.

[0003] Regarding devices for microbial analysis using mass spectrometry as described above, there are the following: MALDI Biotyper, GP / RUO (brochure), Bruker, [searched September 4, 2023], Internet: <URL: https: / / www.bruker.com / en / products-and-solutions / microbiology-and-diagnostics / microbial-identification / _jcr_content / root / contentpar / linklist / contentpar-1 / calltoaction.download-asset.pdf / links / item0 / 1800236-brochure-maldi-biotyper-ruo-gp-bruker-md-09-2022.pdf> (Non-Patent Document 1), VITEK MS, bioMerieux, [searched September 4, 2023], Internet: URL: https: / / booth.biomerieux.com / cmsAdmin / uploads / vitek-ms-brochure-microbiology-powered-by-mass-spectrometry_001.pdf> (Non-Patent Document 2), and VITEK MS PRIME, bioMerieux, [searched September 4, 2023], Internet: URL: https: / / www.biomerieux.com / content / dam / biomerieux-com / 03----our-offer / products / vitek-ms-prime / VITEK%20MS%20PRIME%20Brochure_.pdf.coredownload.pdf> (Non-Patent Document 3) disclose an apparatus that displays the types of microorganisms that may be contained in a sample from the mass spectrum of the sample obtained by mass spectrometry.

[0004] MALDI Biotyper, GP / RUO (brochure), [online], Bruker, [Retrieved September 4, 2023], Internet <URL: https: / / www.bruker.com / en / products-and-solutions / microbiology-and-diagnostics / microbial-identification / _jcr_content / root / contentpar / linklist / contentpar-1 / calltoaction.download-asset.pdf / links / item0 / 1800236-brochure-maldi-biotyper-ruo-gp-bruker-md-09-2022.pdf> VITEK MS, [online], bioMérieux, [Retrieved September 4, 2023], Internet <URL: https: / / booth.biomerieux.com / cmsAdmin / uploads / vitek-ms-brochure-microbiology-powered-by-mass-spectrometry_001.pdf> VITEK MS PRIME, [online], bioMerieux, [searched on September 4, 2020], Internet <URL: https: / / www.biomerieux.com / content / dam / biomerieux-com / 03----our-offer / products / vitek-ms-prime / VITEK%20MS%20PRIME%20Brochure_.pdf.coredownload.pdf>

[0005] The devices of Non-Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3 compare the mass spectrum of a sample obtained by mass spectrometry with a mass spectrum database and display information about microorganisms that may be contained in the sample. Therefore, when a user wants to determine whether a specific microorganism is contained in a sample, the user needs to confirm whether the information about the microorganism displayed on the device matches the information about the specific microorganism. For example, if a sample contains many microorganisms, the user may find it difficult to compare the information about the specific microorganism with information about microorganisms that may be contained in the sample.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of these circumstances, and its purpose is to reduce the burden on users of the task of comparing information on a specified microorganism with information on microorganisms that may be contained in a sample.

[0007] A display method according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes: (a) receiving information on a target microorganism; (b) performing mass analysis on a sample to obtain a mass spectrum; (c) estimating the microorganism contained in the sample based on the mass spectrum and obtaining information on the estimated microorganism estimated to be contained in the sample; (d) determining whether the information on the target microorganism matches the information on the estimated microorganism; and (e) displaying the determination result in the determination step.

[0008] A program according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is a program executed by a processor installed in a computer, causing the computer to execute the display method according to the first aspect.

[0009] A microorganism determination system according to a third aspect of the present disclosure includes a mass spectrometer, an analyzer that receives data from the mass spectrometer, and a display device. The analyzer (a) receives information about a target microorganism, (b) acquires a mass spectrum obtained by analyzing a sample with the mass spectrometer, (c) estimates a microorganism contained in the sample based on the mass spectrum and acquires information about the estimated microorganism estimated to be contained in the sample, (d) determines whether the information about the target microorganism matches the information about the estimated microorganism, and (e) displays the determination result.

[0010] According to the display method of the present disclosure, in microbial analysis using mass spectrometry, the burden on the user of comparing information on a specified microorganism with information on microorganisms that may be contained in a sample can be reduced.

[0011] 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a microorganism determination system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for displaying detailed information. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for displaying mass spectra of two wells. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the steps a user takes to determine microorganisms in a sample using the microorganism determination system. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing display processing performed by a processor in an analytical device. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of step S26 shown in FIG.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0013] [Configuration of Microorganism Determination System] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a microorganism determination system 150 according to an embodiment. Referring to Fig. 1, the microorganism determination system 150 includes an analysis device 100 and a mass spectrometer 16. The microorganism determination system 150 is a system that acquires information about the microorganisms contained in a sample based on a mass spectrum obtained by mass spectrometry of the sample, and determines whether the information matches information about the microorganisms received from a user.

[0014] Analysis device 100 includes controller 101, input unit 14, and output unit 15. Input unit 14 and output unit 15 are connected to controller 101. Analysis device 100 is, for example, a computer. Note that analysis device 100 does not need to be configured by a single computer, and may be configured by multiple computers.

[0015] The controller 101 includes, as its main components, a processor 10, a memory 11, a communication interface (I / F) 12, and an input / output I / F 13. These components are connected to each other via a bus so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0016] Processor 10 is an example of an electric circuit, and controls the operation of analysis device 100 by executing a given program. The program executed by processor 10 may be stored in memory 11, or may be stored in a storage device external to analysis device 100. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0017] The memory 11 can non-temporarily store programs executed by the processor 10, mass spectral data obtained by mass analysis, and databases. The databases and programs stored in the memory 11 include a microorganism database 111 and an analysis program 112. The memory 11 includes volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM)) and non-volatile memory (e.g., read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive, and a solid state drive). The databases and / or programs may be stored in an external storage device accessible by the processor 10.

[0018] The microorganism database 111 is a database used to obtain information about microorganisms contained in a sample based on a mass spectrum obtained by mass spectrometry of the sample. The microorganism database 111 includes, for example, at least one of mass spectrum data obtained by measuring a known microorganism sample and / or a list of mass-to-charge ratios corresponding to the peaks in the mass spectrum (hereinafter, the list of mass-to-charge ratios corresponding to the peaks in the mass spectrum will be referred to as a peak list), a peak list obtained by mass spectrometry of the microorganism estimated from the genomic information of the microorganism, and a peak list of marker proteins effective for identifying specific microorganisms. Furthermore, the microorganism database 111 may also include classification information for the microorganisms. The microorganism database 111 may be stored in an external storage device accessible by the processor 10.

[0019] Mass spectrum data obtained by measuring a known microbial sample is mass spectrum data obtained by analyzing a sample containing a known microorganism using mass spectrometry. The mass spectrum data is linked to information about the corresponding microorganism. The information about the corresponding microorganism includes, for example, at least one of the following: The scientific name, genus name, species name, subspecies name, strain, presence or absence of drug resistance, serotype, and / or toxicity of the microorganism; The name of a drug to which the microorganism has acquired resistance; and The type of glycan and / or lipid possessed by the microorganism. Microorganism genomic information includes genome data of the organism. A genome is genetic information on the nucleic acids (deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA)) possessed by a certain organism, and includes the base sequence of the nucleic acid. Genomic information data typically includes publicly available genome data of the organism, such as genome information from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the DNA Data Bank of Japan (DDBJ), and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). Examples of genome information data are not limited to these, and may also include, for example, genome data that is not publicly available.

[0020] A peak list obtained by mass spectrometry of a microorganism estimated from its genomic information is a list of mass-to-charge ratios of peaks that can be detected when a microorganism having the specified genomic information is subjected to mass spectrometry. The list of mass-to-charge ratios is created based on substances (e.g., proteins, lipids, and glycans) that are estimated to be contained in the microorganism having the specified genomic information. For example, the proteins contained in the microorganism can be estimated based on the genomic information of the microorganism. Furthermore, the substances (e.g., lipids and glycans) produced by the microorganism can be predicted based on the function of the protein. Based on the mass of each substance estimated to be contained in the microorganism having the specified genomic information, it is possible to predict the mass-to-charge ratio of the peaks in the mass spectrum obtained by mass spectrometry of each substance. Therefore, a peak list obtained by mass spectrometry of the microorganism can be estimated. The peak list can be linked, for example, to information on the corresponding microorganism.

[0021] The analysis program 112 estimates the microorganisms contained in the sample based on the mass spectrum information of the sample obtained by mass spectrometry, with reference to the microorganism database 111. For this estimation, for example, estimation by fingerprinting can be used.

[0022] The analysis program 112 compares the mass spectrum obtained by mass spectrometry of the sample with the microorganism database 111. From the data stored in the microorganism database 111, data similar to the mass spectrum obtained by mass spectrometry of the sample is selected.

[0023] Selecting similar data means, for example, that the analysis program 112 selects data registered in the microorganism database that has a large score for the obtained mass spectrum. The score is a value that represents the degree of similarity between the obtained mass spectrum data and each piece of data stored in the microorganism database 111. The score is calculated, for example, using phylogenetic tree analysis. The greater the match between the obtained mass spectrum data and the data stored in the microorganism database 111, the larger the score. The score can be said to indicate the likelihood that the sample contains the microorganism in question.

[0024] The analysis program 112 may select one piece of data or multiple pieces of data from the data registered in the microorganism database. For example, the analysis program 112 may select the data with the highest score. Alternatively, the analysis program 112 may select data with a score greater than a predetermined value, or may select a predetermined number of pieces of data in descending order of score.

[0025] The microorganisms corresponding to the selected data among the data registered in the microorganism database 111 correspond to the microorganisms estimated to be contained in the sample. In this specification, the microorganisms estimated to be contained in the sample are referred to as estimated microorganisms. When multiple data are selected, the number of estimated microorganisms is multiple. Furthermore, when selecting data with a score greater than a predetermined value, if there is no data with a score greater than the predetermined value, the analysis device 100 determines that it is not possible to estimate the microorganisms contained in the sample. Furthermore, for example, when selecting the data with the highest score, if there are multiple data with the highest score, the analysis device 100 also determines that it is not possible to estimate the microorganisms contained in the sample.

[0026] The communication I / F 12 is a communication interface for exchanging various data with external devices. The communication I / F 12 is realized by, for example, a network adapter. The communication method may be wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wireless LAN, or wired communication using USB (Universal Serial Bus) or the like.

[0027] The input / output I / F 13 is an interface for exchanging various types of data between the processor 10 and an external device connected to the input / output I / F 13. The external device includes an input unit 14 and an output unit 15. A mass spectrometer 16 is connected to the input / output I / F 13.

[0028] The mass spectrometer 16 is a device for performing mass analysis of components contained in a sample. Analysis in the mass spectrometer 16 involves detecting peaks in a mass spectrum and measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of substances contained in the sample. A mass spectrum is a graph in which the mass-to-charge ratio is plotted on the horizontal axis and the detected ion intensity is plotted on the vertical axis. The mass-to-charge ratio corresponding to a peak on a mass spectrum is generally also referred to as the position of the peak.

[0029] The mass analyzer 16 may be, for example, a MALDI-TOF MS (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption / Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry), a MALDI-IT-TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption / Ionization Ion Trap Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry), or a scanning IT-MS, but is not limited to these mass analyzers. When the mass analyzer 16 is a MALDI-TOF MS, the mass analyzer 16 separates and then detects ions generated by laser irradiation according to the time they take to fly through a flight tube. The flight time of an ion correlates with the mass-to-charge ratio of the component that gave rise to the ion.

[0030] In this specification, the mass spectrometer 16 performs mass analysis of proteins, lipids, and / or glycans in a sample. That is, mass analysis detects peaks corresponding to the mass-to-charge ratios of proteins, lipids, and / or glycans in the sample. By comparing the mass spectrum pattern, more specifically, a list of mass-to-charge ratios at which peaks with ion intensities above a predetermined threshold are obtained, with a database of proteins, lipids, and / or glycans, the proteins, lipids, and / or glycans contained in the sample can be inferred.

[0031] Since different types of microorganisms contain different proteins, lipids, and / or glycans, the mass spectrum pattern and the list of mass-to-charge ratios differ for each type of microorganism, and therefore, it is possible to identify the microorganisms contained in a sample based on the mass spectrum pattern and / or the list of mass-to-charge ratios.

[0032] In recent years, it has been reported that even the same species of microorganism may have different mass spectral patterns depending on their characteristics (references: Florio W, Baldeschi L, Rizzato C, Tavanti A, Ghelardi E and Lupetti A (2020) Detection of Antibiotic-Resistance by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry: An Expanding Area. Front. Cell. Infect. Microbiol. 10:572909., KAZUYUKI SOGAWA, MASAHARU WATANABE, TAKAYUKI ISHIGE, SYUNSUKE SEGAWA, AKIKO MIYABE, SYOTA MURATA, TOMOKO SAITO, AKIHIRO SANDA, KATSUNORI FURUHATA, FUMIO NOMURA (2017) Rapid Discrimination between Methicillin-Sensitive and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry). Spectrometry. Biocontrol Science Vol.22, No.3, P163-169., Yu-Ming Zhang, Mei-Fen Tsao, Ching-Yu Chang, Kuan-Ting Lin, Joseph Jordan Keller & Hsiu-Chen Lin (2023) Rapid identification of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae based on matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and an artificial neural network model. J Biomed Sci 30, 25.) For example, suppose a certain gene mutates and the microorganism acquires resistance to a certain drug.In this case, the mass spectrum pattern may differ depending on whether or not the specific gene has a mutation. Therefore, the mass spectrum pattern can be used to determine not only the scientific name of the microorganism, but also whether or not the microorganism has a specific characteristic (for example, resistance to a specific drug).

[0033] After performing mass analysis of the sample, the mass spectrometer 16 transmits the mass spectrum data of the sample and / or the peak list of the sample to the analytical device 100. The processor 10 acquires information about the microorganisms contained in the sample based on the mass spectrum data of the sample and / or the peak list of the sample.

[0034] The analytical device 100 may control the mass spectrometer 16, or a separate control device (e.g., a computer) may be connected to the mass spectrometer 16, and the mass spectrometer 16 may be controlled by the separate control device.

[0035] The input unit 14 accepts information input to the controller 101. This information is, for example, information about a microorganism that the user wants to check for in a sample. The information about the microorganism includes, for example, at least one of the following: - The scientific name, genus name, species name, subspecies name, strain, presence or absence of drug resistance, serotype, and / or presence or absence of toxicity of the microorganism - The name of a drug to which the microorganism has acquired resistance - The type of sugar chain and / or type of lipid possessed by the microorganism The input unit 14 is, for example, configured with a touch panel, a mouse, and a keyboard.

[0036] The output unit 15 displays information in accordance with instructions from the controller 101. The information may be, for example, a determination result as to whether or not the microorganism information received from the user matches the microorganism information contained in the sample, the mass spectrum of the sample, and detailed information regarding the determination result. The output unit 15 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display capable of displaying images.

[0037] [Comparative Example] A microbial analysis method using mass spectrometry is a method for estimating the microorganisms contained in a sample based on mass spectral data obtained by mass spectrometry of the sample. Specifically, an analysis device compares the mass spectral data obtained by mass spectrometry of the sample with data in a microorganism database and calculates the degree of similarity between each data item in the microorganism database. The analysis device estimates the microorganisms that may be contained in the sample based on the calculated degree of similarity. Information about the estimated microorganisms is displayed on an output unit of the analysis device in list form, for example, in descending order of similarity.

[0038] Users may use microbial analysis methods using mass spectrometry not only to identify unknown microorganisms in a sample but also to confirm whether a sample contains a specific microorganism. For example, the sample may be a publicly available strain or a strain stored and managed in a laboratory. In such cases, the sample is expected to contain the specific microorganism unless contamination occurs during the sample preparation process. However, during the sample preparation process or the process of preparing a microbial culture solution from the sample, the sample or culture solution may become contaminated with microorganisms other than the specific microorganism. Performing experiments using samples or culture solutions contaminated with microorganisms other than the specific microorganism may result in erroneous experimental results. To prevent this, researchers generally use microbial analysis methods to confirm whether a sample contains a specific microorganism, even if the sample is expected to contain the specific microorganism.

[0039] In this way, when analyzing a sample in which the types of microorganisms contained therein are suspected, the user must analyze the sample using a microorganism analysis method using mass spectrometry and compare the information on the microorganisms that may be contained in the sample displayed on the output unit of the analytical device with the information on the microorganisms that are suspected to be contained in the sample. The task of comparing this information can be a burden on the user.

[0040] [Display Method According to the Embodiment] In the display method according to the embodiment, the analytical device 100 receives information on a microorganism that the user wishes to determine whether or not it is contained in a sample. The analytical device 100 displays on the output unit 15 whether or not the received information matches the information on the suspected microorganism.

[0041] By checking this display, the user can easily determine whether the expected microorganism is contained in the sample, thereby reducing the burden of the task of comparing information on the microorganisms that may be contained in the sample with information on the expected microorganisms.

[0042] 1. Microorganism Information Received by the Analytical Device from the User> Microorganism information received by the analytical device 100 from the user will be described.

[0043] The analytical device 100 receives information on a microorganism that the user wishes to determine whether or not it is contained in a sample.

[0044] The accepted information on microorganisms includes, for example, at least one of the following: - The scientific name, genus name, species name, subspecies name, strain, presence or absence of drug resistance, serotype, and / or presence or absence of toxicity of the microorganism - The name of a drug to which the microorganism has acquired resistance - The type of glycan and / or type of lipid possessed by the microorganism For example, if the user wants to determine whether a sample contains a specific type of microorganism, the analytical device 100 accepts the scientific name of the microorganism. Also, for example, if the user wants to determine whether a sample contains a specific microorganism that is resistant to a specific drug, the analytical device 100 accepts the name of the drug and the scientific name of the microorganism.

[0045] 2. Comparison of Received Microorganism Information with Suspected Microorganism Information The process executed by the analysis device 100 to compare the suspected microorganism information with the microorganism information received from the user will be described.

[0046] The analytical device 100 receives mass spectrum data derived from the sample from the mass spectrometer 16. The analytical device 100 estimates the microorganisms contained in the sample using the analytical program 112 based on the received data.

[0047] The analysis device 100 determines whether the information on the microorganism received from the user matches the information on the suspected microorganism. For example, when the scientific name of a predetermined microorganism is received from the user, if the scientific name matches the scientific name of the suspected microorganism, the analysis device 100 determines that there is a match. Also, for example, when the scientific name of a predetermined drug and a predetermined microorganism is received from the user, if the suspected microorganism does not have resistance to the predetermined drug, the analysis device 100 determines that there is no match.

[0048] If the analytical device 100 determines that it is not possible to estimate the microorganisms contained in the sample, the analytical device 100 does not make the above determination. In this case, the determination result is "cannot be estimated."

[0049] Therefore, the judgment result will be either "match," "do not match," or "cannot be estimated." If there are multiple suspected microorganisms, it will be judged for each suspected microorganism whether it matches the received microorganism information. Therefore, if there are multiple suspected microorganisms, a judgment result will be given for each suspected microorganism.

[0050] 3. Display of Determination Results An example of a display screen for the determination results output by the analysis device 100 will be described below. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen.

[0051] The display screen 200 includes a window 210. The window 210 corresponds to a MALDI plate subjected to mass spectrometry, and displays the determination results of the samples in accordance with the positions of the wells of the samples placed on the MALDI plate. The example in FIG. 2 shows that 3 x 5 = 15 wells, including wells W1 to W5, are formed on the MALDI plate. The determination results of the samples placed in each well are displayed at the position of the corresponding well. For example, the determination result of the well corresponding to well W1 on the MALDI plate is displayed in well W1 on the display screen 200. The cursor Cr is operated by the input unit 14.

[0052] If there are multiple suspected microorganisms for the sample, the determination result for one of the suspected microorganisms is displayed in the corresponding well. For example, the determination result for the suspected microorganism with the highest score among the multiple suspected microorganisms is displayed in the corresponding well.

[0053] The display manner of the determination result for each well differs depending on the determination result, as shown by legends 220, 230, and 240. An example of a different display manner is that the displayed color, gradation value, pixel value, figure, and / or pattern is different. Legend 220 shows the display manner when the determination result is "match," legend 230 shows the display manner when the determination result is "mismatch," and legend 240 shows the display manner when the determination result is "unable to estimate."

[0054] In Figure 2, well W2 is displayed in a different display mode from well W1. Therefore, the user can recognize that the sample corresponding to well W1 contains the microorganism input by the user, but the sample corresponding to well W2 does not contain the microorganism input by the user. Furthermore, as shown in well W4, when the determination result is "cannot be estimated," the well is displayed with a shaded line. This display mode is different from when the determination results are "match" and "mismatch," and the user can easily recognize whether or not the sample is estimated to contain the microorganism.

[0055] In this way, the display mode of the wells changes depending on the determination result, allowing the user to easily recognize whether or not the sample contains the desired microorganism.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in legend 220, when the determination result is "match," the well's display mode differs depending on the score. An example of a different display mode is a different displayed color, gradation value, figure, and / or pattern. For example, the higher the estimated microorganism score, the smaller the pixel value of the well and the black color it is displayed in. Also, for example, the higher the estimated microorganism score, the redder the well may be, and the lower the estimated microorganism score, the yellower the well may be.

[0057] 2, by referring to legend 220, the user can recognize that the score of the sample corresponding to well W3 is greater than the score of the sample corresponding to well W1. In other words, the user can recognize that the sample corresponding to well W3 is more likely to contain the microorganism entered by the user than the sample corresponding to well W1.

[0058] As shown in legend 230, even when the determination result is "mismatch," the wells are displayed differently depending on their scores, just as they are when the determination result is "match." For example, the score for well W5 is lower than the score for well W2. In this case, the user can recognize that the sample corresponding to well W5 is likely to contain microorganisms other than the microorganisms entered by the user.

[0059] In this way, the display mode of the wells changes depending on the score, allowing the user to easily recognize the likelihood that the sample contains the desired microorganism or other microorganisms.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 2 , the microbial determination results are displayed corresponding to the MALDI plate on which the microbial organisms are arranged. When performing microbial determination of multiple samples using a single MALDI plate, users often record the samples in association with the positional information on the MALDI plate where the samples are arranged. That is, after preparing the samples in the wells of the MALDI plate, the user proceeds with the work up to the stage of evaluating the determination results based on the positional information of the wells on the MALDI plate. Therefore, by displaying the results in a state that reflects the arrangement of the MALDI plate, the user can easily associate the sample information with the evaluation of the determination results. As a result, the burden on the user of cross-referencing the sample information with the evaluation of the determination results can be reduced.

[0061] Furthermore, when analyzing a group of samples containing multiple samples at once, the samples may be arranged on a single MALDI plate for each group. In this case, by displaying the determination results in a state that reflects the sample arrangement, the user can easily recognize the tendency of the determination results for the group of samples. As a result, the user can easily recognize which group of samples contains a specific microorganism.

[0062] 4. Display of Detailed Information Next, an example of a display screen for detailed information related to the sample determination process, which is displayed on the output unit 15 when the analytical device 100 receives a predetermined operation, will be described. The predetermined operation is, for example, the user placing the cursor Cr on a well in the window 210 and clicking the mouse. The detailed information related to the determination process is, for example, information related to the mass spectrum of the sample and the suspected microorganism. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen for detailed information.

[0063] The display screen shown in Fig. 3 shows detailed information related to the determination process of the sample corresponding to well W5 in Fig. 2. The display screen of Fig. 3 is displayed on the output unit 15, for example, when the user clicks the mouse while positioning cursor Cr on well W5 in Fig. 2. Display screen 300 shows detailed information related to the determination process of the sample. Display screen 300 includes window 310 and window 320.

[0064] Window 310 displays the mass spectrum obtained by mass spectrometry of the sample. It may also display a list of mass-to-charge ratios corresponding to peaks. Peaks are positions where the ion intensity is higher than a predetermined threshold, as indicated by arrow P, compared to other positions.

[0065] Window 320 shows information about the suspected microorganism in the sample. The information about the suspected microorganism includes, for example, at least one of the following: The scientific name, genus name, species name, subspecies name, strain, presence or absence of drug resistance, serotype, and / or presence or absence of toxicity of the microorganism The name of the drug to which the microorganism has acquired resistance The type of sugar chain and / or type of lipid possessed by the microorganism The magnitude relationship of the scores of the suspected microorganism In Figure 3, window 320 includes a rank, scientific name, determination result, and score corresponding to the magnitude relationship of the scores of the suspected microorganism.

[0066] Rank indicates the ranking of the suspected microorganism when sorted according to a predetermined criterion. The predetermined criterion is, for example, the magnitude of the score. Scientific name indicates the scientific name of the suspected microorganism. The determination result indicates whether the scientific name of the suspected microorganism matches the scientific name entered by the user. In FIG. 3, the user entered "C" as the scientific name, so if the scientific name of the microorganism contained in the sample is estimated to be A, an "x" is displayed indicating no match, and if the scientific name of the microorganism contained in the sample is estimated to be C, an "o" is displayed indicating a match. Score indicates the score of each microorganism similar to the mass spectrum data of the sample shown in window 310.

[0067] This display mode allows the user to easily check detailed information related to the analysis of the sample. For example, if it is determined that the information on the microorganism entered by the user does not match the information on the suspected microorganism, the user can distinguish whether the microorganism entered by the user was not detected at all or whether it was determined that another microorganism was contained in the sample. Furthermore, based on the identification result of the other microorganism determined to be contained in the sample, it may be possible to predict the timing of contamination with that microorganism. For example, if Propionibacterium acnes is identified as another microorganism, since Propionibacterium acnes is present on human skin, it can be predicted that it was likely contaminated with the sample when the sample was prepared on a MALDI plate.

[0068] It is also conceivable that the peak that served as the basis for determining a suspected microorganism may be displayed in a different display mode from other peaks on the display screen 300. For example, when a user selects one of the suspected microorganisms displayed in window 320, the peak used to determine the suspected microorganism is displayed in the mass spectrum of the sample displayed in window 310 in a manner that allows it to be distinguished from other peaks. The manner in which it can be distinguished from other peaks may be, for example, by changing the color of the relevant peak from the color of non-relevant peaks and by adding a symbol above the relevant peak. This display allows the peak that served as the basis for determining the suspected microorganism to be confirmed.

[0069] Furthermore, mass spectra corresponding to two selected wells may be displayed as detailed information by a predetermined user operation on two wells on the display screen 200. The predetermined operation may be, for example, the user placing a cursor Cr on the target well and clicking the mouse.

[0070] 4 shows an example of a screen displaying the mass spectra of two wells. A window 400 displays the results of the two selected mass spectra.

[0071] In the window 400, of the mass spectrum data of the two selected wells, the first mass spectrum is displayed in black and the second mass spectrum is displayed in gray. This display mode allows the user to easily recognize the difference between the mass spectra of the two wells.

[0072] The analytical device 100 may erroneously identify the microorganism contained in the sample, resulting in an erroneous determination of whether or not the microorganism received from the user is contained in the sample. For example, if the mass spectra of microorganism D and its closely related species, microorganism E, are similar, the analytical device 100 may erroneously determine that the sample contains microorganism E, even if microorganism D is actually contained in the sample. In such a case, as described above, by displaying the mass spectra of the two wells on the screen, the user can confirm whether the two mass spectra are similar and easily determine whether or not the analytical device 100 has made an error in its determination.

[0073] [Method of managing microorganisms using a microorganism determination system] As a specific example of confirming the type of microorganism contained in a sample using the microorganism determination system according to this embodiment, the procedure for determining whether the microorganism contained in a sample is a predetermined microorganism will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the user and the analytical device 100 in the microorganism determination system. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the results of the determination of whether the type of microorganism received from the user matches the estimated type of microorganism. The display mode in Figure 6 is the same as the display mode in Figure 2.

[0074] 5, steps T10 to T14 are performed manually by a user using experimental equipment commonly used in scientific experiments and mass spectrometry, or by partially automated experimental equipment. Steps T16 and onward are performed by analytical device 100.

[0075] In Fig. 5, as shown in step T10, the user prepares a container in which microorganisms are stored. In Fig. 5, the user prepares a container in which microorganisms of the type Nocardia vermiculata are stored.

[0076] As shown in step T12, the user smears the microorganisms prepared in step T10 onto a medium and incubates at 35°C for 24 hours to culture the microorganisms. The user prepares two types of medium: an agar medium (hereinafter referred to as a standard agar medium) made by adding agar to dried bouillon, and a sheep blood agar medium. For example, samples dispensed from one container are cultured in the two types of medium.

[0077] As shown in step T14, the user prepares samples to be subjected to mass spectrometry by preparing microorganisms cultured in each culture medium on a MALDI plate. Colonies formed by the microorganisms on the culture medium are analyzed by mass spectrometry. Microorganism colonies are prepared on MALDI plates by the following three methods. Note that the method for preparing samples to be subjected to mass spectrometry from microbial colonies is not limited to these and can be selected appropriately by those skilled in the art.

[0078] In the first method, the user prepares colonies picked up with a picker (for example, a sterilized toothpick) directly onto a MALDI plate, drops a matrix solution onto the MALDI plate, and then dries the MALDI plate.

[0079] In the second method, the user prepares colonies picked up by a picker directly on a MALDI plate, drops an aqueous formic acid solution and a matrix solution onto the MALDI plate, and then dries the MALDI plate.

[0080] The third method involves preparing a sample from colonies collected in a microtube using ethanol, formic acid, and acetonitrile. In this method, the colonies collected in the microtube are washed with high-concentration ethanol (70% or higher). Microbial components are extracted from the washed microorganisms using approximately 70% aqueous formic acid and 98% or higher acetonitrile. The resulting extract is then dripped onto a MALDI plate and dried, followed by dripping a matrix solution onto the plate and drying.

[0081] As shown in step T16, the analysis device 100 receives from the user "Nocardia vermiculata" which indicates the type of the predetermined microorganism.

[0082] As shown in step T18, analytical device 100 acquires mass spectrum data obtained by mass analyzing the samples prepared in each well of the MALDI plate prepared in step T14.

[0083] As shown in step T20, the analyzer 100 estimates the microorganisms contained in the sample for each well based on the mass spectrum data obtained in step T18.

[0084] As shown in step T22, the analytical device 100 determines whether it was possible to estimate the microorganism contained in the sample prepared in each well in step T20. If it was not possible to estimate the microorganism contained in the sample, the determination result is "cannot be estimated." If it was possible to estimate the microorganism contained in the sample, the analytical device 100 determines whether the type of the estimated microorganism matches "Nocardia vermiculata" received in step T16. If it matches, the determination result is "match," and if it does not match, the determination result is "does not match." If it was possible to estimate the microorganism contained in the sample, the analytical device 100 acquires a score corresponding to the estimated microorganism.

[0085] As shown in step T24, analysis device 100 displays the determination result and score obtained in step T22 on output unit 15, and ends the processing shown in Fig. 5. If the determination result is "unable to estimate," no score is displayed.

[0086] Fig. 6 is a display screen displayed on the output unit 15 in step T24 of Fig. 5. Window 500 shows the determination results of the samples, corresponding to the positions of the samples on the MALDI plate subjected to mass spectrometry. The example of Fig. 6 shows that a total of 48 wells are formed on the MALDI plate, with four columns numbered 1 to 4 and 12 rows numbered A to L. Fig. 6 also shows that samples have been placed in all 48 wells, and determination has been performed.

[0087] The wells within the dotted lines contain samples prepared using the same medium and application method. Specifically, the wells within areas 510, 520, and 530 represent the results of samples derived from microorganisms cultured on standard agar media, while the wells within areas 540, 550, and 560 represent the results of samples derived from microorganisms cultured on sheep blood agar media. Furthermore, the wells within areas 510 and 540 represent the results of samples prepared on MALDI plates using the first method, the wells within areas 520 and 550 the second method, and the wells within areas 530 and 560 the third method.

[0088] The display screen shown in FIG. 6 allows the user to easily recognize which wells contain Nocardia vermiculata in the prepared samples.

[0089] In Figure 6, the wells in regions 540, 550, and 560 have a higher proportion of wells determined to be "matched" than the wells in regions 510, 520, and 530. Because the user cultures and analyzes samples suspected to contain Nocardia vermiculata, the samples corresponding to wells determined to be "mismatched" are likely contaminated with microorganisms other than Nocardia vermiculata (e.g., Dermacoccus nishinomiyaensis) during at least one of steps T10 to T14 in Figure 5. Furthermore, the growth rate of the contaminated microorganisms in the sheep blood agar media corresponding to regions 540, 550, and 560 is likely to be faster than the growth rate of Nocardia vermiculata, which would have been present in the sample before the microorganism was contaminated. For these reasons, when identifying microorganisms in a container containing stored microorganisms, it is preferable for the user to culture the microorganisms in multiple media and perform microorganism identification. Although culturing microorganisms in multiple culture media increases the number of specimens to be identified for microorganisms, by using the microorganism determination system of this embodiment, users can reduce the time required for the microorganism determination process.

[0090] In Figure 6, for example, the wells included in region 540 have a higher proportion of wells determined to be "unpredictable" than the wells included in region 550. The wells included in the two regions differ in the method of preparing the sample on the MALDI plate. This is because the difference in the preparation method on the MALDI plate results in differences in the mass spectrum measurement sensitivity, the extraction efficiency of the target molecules (proteins, etc.) from the microorganisms, and the like. Therefore, it can be said that the second method is more suitable than the first method for preparing Nocardia vermiculata on the MALDI plate. From the above, the display method according to this example is also useful in considering the method of preparing microorganisms on the MALDI plate.

[0091] [Processing Flow] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing display processing performed by processor 10 in analysis device 100. In one implementation example, the display processing subroutine processing in Fig. 7 is called from the main routine and executed when processor 10 of analysis device 100 executes a given program.

[0092] In step S10, the analysis device 100 receives information on the microorganisms to be analyzed from the user.

[0093] In step S12, the analytical device 100 acquires a mass spectrum of the sample. The mass spectrum of the sample may be acquired by the mass spectrometer 16, or may be acquired by recalling mass spectrum data stored in the memory 11 of the analytical device 100.

[0094] In step S14, the analysis device 100 estimates the microorganisms contained in the sample using the analysis program 112 based on the mass spectrum data acquired in step S12, and obtains information on the estimated microorganisms.

[0095] In step S16, analytical device 100 determines whether or not the microorganisms contained in the sample were estimated in step S 14. If analytical device 100 was able to estimate the microorganisms contained in the sample in step S 14 (YES in step S16), it proceeds to step S20, and if it was not able to estimate the microorganisms contained in the sample in step S 14 (NO in step S16), it proceeds to step S18.

[0096] In step S18, the analysis device 100 displays on the output unit 15 that the microorganisms contained in the sample could not be estimated.

[0097] In step S20, analytical device 100 determines whether the information on the microorganisms estimated to be contained in the sample in step S14 matches the information on the microorganisms received in step S10. If analytical device 100 determines that they match (YES in step S20), it proceeds to step S22, and if it determines that they do not match (NO in step S20), it proceeds to step S24.

[0098] In step S22, the analysis device 100 displays on the output unit 15 that the microorganism information received in step S10 matches the microorganism information acquired in step S14.

[0099] In step S24, the analysis device 100 displays on the output unit 15 that the microorganism information received in step S10 does not match the microorganism information acquired in step S14.

[0100] In step S26, the analytical device 100 displays detailed information related to the sample determination process. Figure 8 shows the subroutine of step S26.

[0101] 8, in step S28, analytical device 100 displays the likelihood that the suspected microorganism in step S14 is contained in the sample. Note that if the microorganism contained in the sample cannot be predicted, the likelihood is not displayed.

[0102] In step S30, the mass spectrum acquired in step S12 is displayed. In step S32, information about the suspected microorganism is displayed. Thereafter, the analytical device 100 returns control to FIG. 7, ends the display processing subroutine, and returns processing to the main routine.

[0103] By performing control according to the above process, the user can easily recognize whether the information on the target microorganism matches the information on the suspected microorganism. Therefore, by using the analytical device 100, the burden on the user of comparing the information on the predetermined microorganism with the information on the microorganism that may be contained in the sample is reduced.

[0104] Furthermore, in the display method according to this embodiment, the likelihood that the suspected microorganism is contained in the sample is displayed, allowing the user to easily distinguish between samples that are likely to contain the target microorganism and those that are not.

[0105] Furthermore, in the display method according to this embodiment, detailed information on the determination result is displayed, so that the user can easily determine whether the determination result by analysis device 100 is reliable or not.

[0106] Aspects It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0107] (Item 1) In one aspect, the display method may include the steps of receiving information on a target microorganism, performing mass analysis on a sample to obtain a mass spectrum, estimating the microorganism contained in the sample based on the mass spectrum and obtaining information on the estimated microorganism estimated to be contained in the sample, determining whether the information on the target microorganism matches the information on the estimated microorganism, and displaying the determination result in the determination step.

[0108] According to the display method described in paragraph 1, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user of the task of comparing information on a predetermined microorganism with information on microorganisms that may be contained in a sample.

[0109] (Clause 2) In the display method described in paragraph 1, if it is determined in the determination step that the information on the target microorganism and the information on the putative microorganism match, the determination result may be displayed in a first manner in the step of displaying the determination result, and if it is determined in the determination step that the information on the target microorganism and the information on the putative microorganism do not match, the determination result may be displayed in a second manner different from the first manner in the step of displaying the determination result.

[0110] According to the display method described in paragraph 2, the judgment result is displayed in a display mode corresponding to the judgment result, allowing the user to easily recognize the judgment result and reducing the burden on the user of the task of comparing information on a specified microorganism with information on microorganisms that may be contained in the sample.

[0111] (Item 3) The display method according to item 1 or 2 may further include a step of displaying the likelihood that the putative microorganism is contained in the sample.

[0112] According to the display method described in paragraph 3, the user can easily recognize the likelihood that the suspected microorganism is contained in the sample. By recognizing the likelihood, the user can confirm which samples are most likely to contain the microorganism desired by the user.

[0113] (Clause 4) In the display method described in any one of clauses 1 to 3, if it is determined in the determining step that the information on the target microorganism and the information on the putative microorganism match, the likelihood may be displayed in a third manner in the step of displaying the likelihood, and if it is determined in the determining step that the information on the target microorganism and the information on the putative microorganism do not match, the likelihood may be displayed in a fourth manner different from the third manner in the step of displaying the likelihood.

[0114] According to the display method described in paragraph 4, the user can easily recognize the determination result and the likelihood that the suspected microorganism is contained in the sample. The user can easily confirm which samples are most likely to contain the desired microorganism.

[0115] (Item 5) The display method according to any one of items 1 to 4 may further include a step of displaying that the microorganisms contained in the sample cannot be estimated based on the mass spectrum.

[0116] According to the display method described in paragraph 5, the user can easily recognize that the analytical device was unable to estimate that the sample contains microorganisms.

[0117] (Clause 6) The display method described in paragraph 2 may further include a step of displaying in a fifth manner different from the first and second manners that it is not possible to estimate the microorganisms contained in the sample based on the mass spectrum.

[0118] According to the display method described in paragraph 6, the results are displayed in a display format that corresponds to the mass spectrum analysis results, allowing the user to easily recognize whether or not the sample contains microorganisms, and if so, whether or not the microorganisms match the specified microorganisms.

[0119] (Clause 7) In the display method described in any one of clauses 1 to 6, the step of displaying the determination result may include a step of displaying the determination result based on the position on a sample plate where the sample was placed when performing the mass spectrometry.

[0120] According to the display method described in paragraph 7, the sample determination information and the sample placement information on the MALDI plate are displayed in correspondence with each other, allowing the user to easily check the determination results for each sample.

[0121] Furthermore, according to the display method described in paragraph 7, when a plurality of MALDI plates are prepared and a different sample is used for each plate to perform the determination, the user can easily evaluate each sample.

[0122] (Item 8) The display method according to any one of items 1 to 7 may further include a step of displaying the mass spectrum.

[0123] According to the display method described in paragraph 8, the mass spectrum obtained by mass spectrometry of a sample is displayed, so that the user can easily confirm which peak in the mass spectrum the determination result was based on, and therefore the reliability of the determination result can be confirmed.

[0124] (Item 9) In the display method described in Item 8, in the step of displaying the mass spectrum, peaks contained in the mass spectrum that originate from the target microorganism may be displayed in a display manner that is different from peaks that do not originate from the target microorganism.

[0125] According to the display method described in paragraph 9, in the peaks on the mass spectrum obtained by mass spectrometry of a sample, peaks corresponding to a predetermined microorganism and peaks not corresponding to the predetermined microorganism are displayed in different forms, so that the user can easily confirm which peak on the mass spectrum the determination result was based on, and therefore the reliability of the determination result can be confirmed.

[0126] (Item 10) In the display method described in Item 7 or 8, in the step of displaying the mass spectrum, peaks contained in the mass spectrum that are derived from the estimated microorganism may be displayed in a display manner that is different from peaks that are not derived from the estimated microorganism.

[0127] According to the display method described in paragraph 10, in the peaks on the mass spectrum obtained by mass spectrometry of a sample, peaks corresponding to the estimated microorganism and peaks not corresponding to the estimated microorganism are displayed in different forms, so that the user can easily confirm which peak on the mass spectrum the determination result was based on, and therefore the reliability of the determination result can be confirmed.

[0128] (11) The display method according to any one of the first to tenth paragraphs may further include a step of displaying information related to the determination result.

[0129] According to the display method described in paragraph 11, the user can easily recognize information related to the determination result.

[0130] (Clause 12) In the display method described in Clause 11, the information related to the judgment result may be at least one of the mass-to-charge ratio of a peak detected in the mass spectrum, the number of the peaks, and the intensity of the peaks.

[0131] According to the display method described in paragraph 12, at least one piece of information among the mass-to-charge ratio of the peaks detected in the mass spectrum, the number of the peaks, and the intensities of the peaks can be easily recognized.

[0132] (Item 13) In the indication method described in any one of Items 1 to 12, the sample may include any one of a culture medium in which the microorganism is cultured, a colony formed by the microorganism, and an extract of the microorganism.

[0133] (Item 14) In the display method described in any one of Items 1 to 13, the information on the microorganism may include at least one of the scientific name, genus name, species name, subspecies name, strain, presence or absence of drug resistance, serotype, presence or absence of toxicity, name of drug to which the microorganism has acquired resistance, type of sugar chain possessed by the microorganism, and type of lipid possessed by the microorganism.

[0134] (15th paragraph) In one aspect, the program may be a program executed by a processor installed in a computer, causing the computer to execute the display method according to any one of the first to fourteenth paragraphs.

[0135] According to the program described in paragraph 15, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user of the task of comparing information on a predetermined microorganism with information on microorganisms that may be contained in a sample.

[0136] (Clause 16) In one aspect, the microorganism determination system comprises a mass spectrometry unit, an analysis device that receives data from the mass spectrometry unit, and a display device, wherein the analysis device receives information on the target microorganism, acquires a mass spectrum obtained by analyzing the sample using the mass spectrometry unit, estimates the microorganism contained in the sample based on the mass spectrum, acquires information on the estimated microorganism estimated to be contained in the sample, determines whether the information on the target microorganism matches the information on the estimated microorganism, and displays the result of the determination.

[0137] According to the microorganism determination system described in paragraph 16, the burden on the user of comparing information on a predetermined microorganism with information on microorganisms that may be contained in a sample can be reduced.

[0138] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above-described embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. Furthermore, it is intended that each technique in the embodiments can be implemented alone or, if necessary, in combination with other techniques in the embodiments to the extent possible.

[0139] 10 Processor, 11 Memory, 12 Communication I / F, 13 Input / Output I / F, 14 Input section, 15 Output section, 16 Mass spectrometer, 100 Analysis device, 101 Controller, 111 Microorganism database, 112 Analysis program, 150 Microorganism determination system

Claims

1. A display method comprising the steps of: receiving information on a target microorganism; performing mass analysis on a sample to obtain a mass spectrum; estimating the microorganism contained in the sample based on the mass spectrum and obtaining information on the estimated microorganism estimated to be contained in the sample; determining whether the information on the target microorganism matches the information on the estimated microorganism; and displaying the determination result in the determining step.

2. A display method as described in claim 1, wherein, if it is determined in the determination step that the information on the target microorganism and the information on the suspected microorganism match, the determination result is displayed in a first manner in the step of displaying the determination result, and if it is determined in the determination step that the information on the target microorganism and the information on the suspected microorganism do not match, the determination result is displayed in a second manner different from the first manner in the step of displaying the determination result.

3. The display method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of displaying the likelihood that the putative microorganism is contained in the sample.

4. A display method as described in claim 3, wherein, if it is determined in the determining step that the information on the target microorganism and the information on the suspected microorganism match, the likelihood is displayed in a third manner in the likelihood displaying step, and if it is determined in the determining step that the information on the target microorganism and the information on the suspected microorganism do not match, the likelihood is displayed in a fourth manner different from the third manner in the likelihood displaying step.

5. The display method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of displaying that it is not possible to estimate the microorganisms contained in the sample based on the mass spectrum.

6. The display method according to claim 2, further comprising a step of displaying in a fifth manner different from the first and second manners that it is not possible to estimate the microorganisms contained in the sample based on the mass spectrum.

7. The display method according to claim 1, wherein the step of displaying the determination result includes a step of displaying the determination result based on the position on a sample plate where the sample was placed when the mass analysis was performed.

8. The display method of claim 1, further comprising the step of displaying the mass spectrum.

9. The display method according to claim 8, wherein the step of displaying the mass spectrum includes a step of displaying peaks contained in the mass spectrum that originate from the target microorganism in a display manner that differs from that of peaks that do not originate from the target microorganism.

10. The display method according to claim 8, wherein the step of displaying the mass spectrum includes a step of displaying peaks contained in the mass spectrum that are derived from the suspected microorganism in a different display format from peaks that are not derived from the suspected microorganism.

11. The display method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of displaying information related to the determination result.

12. The display method according to claim 11, wherein the information related to the determination result is at least one of the mass-to-charge ratio of a peak detected in the mass spectrum, the number of the peaks, and the intensity of the peaks.

13. The display method according to claim 1, wherein the sample includes any one of a culture medium in which the microorganism is cultured, a colony formed by the microorganism, and an extract of the microorganism.

14. The display method according to claim 1, wherein the information on the microorganism includes at least one of the following: scientific name, genus name, species name, subspecies name, strain, presence or absence of drug resistance, serotype, presence or absence of toxicity, name of drug to which the microorganism has acquired resistance, type of glycan possessed by the microorganism, and type of lipid possessed by the microorganism.

15. A program executed by a processor installed in a computer, causing the computer to execute the display method according to claim 1.

16. A microorganism determination system comprising: a mass spectrometry unit; an analysis device that receives data from the mass spectrometry unit; and a display device, wherein the analysis device receives information on a target microorganism; acquires a mass spectrum obtained by analyzing a sample with the mass spectrometry unit; estimates the microorganism contained in the sample based on the mass spectrum; acquires information on the estimated microorganism estimated to be contained in the sample; determines whether the information on the target microorganism matches the information on the estimated microorganism; and displays the result of the determination.

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