Comparison of commercially available DNA and RNA extraction kits for wildlife feces collected from the environment

Wildlife fecal samples were collected across two Air Force installations to evaluate the effectiveness of commercially available DNA and RNA extraction kits. Four DNA kits, two DNA/RNA kits and one RNA only kit were used. Sample extracts were evaluated on nucleic acid concentration, TapeStation DNA or RNA Integrity Number values and presence of PCR inhibitors. For the DNA kits, PFP produced higher concentrations compared with PLM and RPM, while MWFM gave higher DNA Integrity Number values when compared with RPM. No PCR inhibition was detected. For the RNA kits, RPM gave higher concentrations compared with MWTV and no differences were seen in RNA Integrity Number values. PCR inhibition was observed in all RNA samples, with MWTV exhibiting higher inhibition compared with RPM.