Rapid DNA extraction for molecular epidemiological studies of malaria

DNA isolation from blood samples collected in molecular epidemiological studies is crucial for the quality and reproducibility of data. Blood samples from two malaria endemic sites have been prepared by four different DNA isolation methods with subsequent PCR amplification of the msp2 locus of Plasmodium falciparum. We tested a rapid boiling method; the guanadine isothiocyanate DNA extraction; QIAmp blood kit; and the ISOCODE STIX PCR template preparation dipstick, and analysed the numbers of concurrent infections/sample. The rapid boiling method and the ISOCODE STIX provided overall the best sensitivity combined with ease of handling. The possibility to store and ship the ISOCODE STIX at ambient temperature adds further advantage to this method.