Preservation and extraction of malaria parasite DNA from dried blood spots

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingBook chapterResearchpeer-review

Molecular studies related to diagnosis and research rely on collection of blood samples and extraction of high-quality DNA. In Africa, where the populations carried 94% of the total burden of cases and deaths due to malaria in 2019, collection of samples is often challenged by remote study areas and lack of a cold chain to transport and store samples. Collection of blood on filter paper is a technique that is less invasive and has simpler requirements regarding training of staff, storage, and transport of samples than collection of venous blood samples. Dried blood spots (DBS) are therefore commonly used in many research projects. However, DNA quality can be affected by duration and conditions of storage. The quality of the DNA for molecular analyses also depends on a DNA extraction methodology that provides high-quality DNA with high purity and yield. Several protocols for DNA extraction have been described, and many comparative studies have analyzed and optimized the different methodologies to find an alternative to the more costly commercial extraction kits. This chapter describes recommendations for storage and preservation of DBS, and a Chelex-based protocol for extraction of DNA from DBS.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMalaria Immunology : Targeting the Surface of Infected Erythrocytes
Number of pages10
Volume2470
PublisherHuman Kinetics
Publication date2022
Pages27-36
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-0716-2189-9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
SeriesMethods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)
ISSN1064-3745

Bibliographical note

© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

    Research areas

  • Animals, DNA, Protozoan/genetics, Humans, Malaria, Falciparum/parasitology, Parasites/genetics, Plasmodium falciparum/genetics, Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods, Specimen Handling/methods

ID: 320648965