Inactivation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis for DNA typing analysis

DNA fingerprinting analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is used for epide miological studies and the control of laboratory cross-contamination, Becau se standardized procedures are not entirely; safe for mycobacteriology labo ratory staff, the paper proposes a new technique for the processing of spec imens. The technique ensures the inactivation of M. tuberculosis before DNA extraction without the loss of DNA integrity. The control of inactivated c ultures should be rigorous and should involve the use of two different cult ure media incubated for at least 4 months.