Increasing the sensitivity of PCR detection in bovine preputial smegma spiked with Tritrichomonas foetus by the addition of agar and resin

Methods for the extraction of DNA from the preputial smegma of cattle infec ted with Tritrichomonas foetus for the purposes of polymerase chain reactio n (PCR) detection are usually time-consuming, relatively insensitive and re quire hazardous chemicals. In order to solve these problems, we have develo ped a rapid, sensitive and harmless method to extract quality DNA from prep utial smegma spiked with T. foetus. Results indicate that the addition of 5 % Chelex((R))-100 resin and 0.05% agar solution to the spiked smegma before the process of DNA extraction by the boiling method can significantly incr ease the sensitivity of PCR detection. This improved method may be suitable for routine DNA extraction for the diagnosis of cattle and even human tric homoniasis by PCR.