Rapid DNA extraction for molecular epidemiological studies of malaria

DNA isolation from blood samples collected in molecular epidemiological stu dies is crucial for the qualify and reproducibility of data. Blood samples from two malaria endemic sites have been prepared by four different DNA iso lation methods with subsequent PCR amplification of the msp2 locus of Plasm odium falciparum. We tested a rapid boiling method; the guanadine isothiocy anate DNA extraction; QIAmp(TM) blood kit; and the ISOCODE(TM) STIX PCR tem plate preparation dipstick, and analysed the numbers of concurrent infectio ns/sample. The rapid boiling method and the ISOCODE(TM) STIX provided overa ll the best sensitivity combined with ease of handling. The possibility to store and ship the ISOCODE(TM) STIX at ambient temperature adds further adv antage to this method. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All righ ts reserved.