Short report:: Rapid DNA extraction from archive blood spots on filter paper for genotyping of Plasmodium falciparum

The practical advantages of sampling and storing blood on filter paper for analyses of human and pathogen genes highlight the need for reliable, sensitive, and cost-effective DNA extraction methods. We describe a new Tris-EDTA (TE) buffer-based method for extraction of DNA from blood dried on filter paper. The method was evaluated against the commonly used methanol and Chelex (R) methods, regarding polymerase chain reaction detection of Plasmodium falciparum parasites from samples stored for 1-2 years. The sensitivity of detection was dependent on the parasite density and type of filter paper. For 3MM (R) Whatman filter paper, the sensitivity was 100%, 73%, and 93% for the TE, methanol, and Chelex (R) methods, respectively. For the longer stored 9038 Schleicher T Schnell filter paper, the sensitivity was 93%, 73%, and 0%, respectively. This rapid, simple, and inexpensive extraction method generated superior results from archived specimens compared with the two standard methods and may represent a useful tool in molecular epidemiologic studies.