title: Improved detection of mycobacterial DNA by PCR in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues using thin sections.
abstract: PCR is a unique methodology allowing for the sensitive detection of mycobacterial DNA-sequences in cases in which no fresh material can be obtained for classic analyses. Despite the limitations of this technique, for example the less satisfactory quality of DNA from paraffin-embedded specimens and the high effort necessary to control contamination, PCR still represents a useful additional tool for routine diagnostic examinations of mycobacterial infections. Fragmentation of the DNA extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples on the one hand and the rigid cell wall of mycobacteria on the other hand are obstacles to detecting the DNA of these microorganisms by PCR. Here, we describe a simple mechanical procedure that allows us to improve the detection of mycobacterial DNA with the use of thin (1 microm) sections instead of thicker sections. This could be explained by a gentle, mechanical opening of the acid fast mycobacterial cell wall. Thus, even the application of heat/cold shock treatments is not necessary. This inexpensive fast procedure can also be used for the detection of other infectious agents.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Human Genetics, University of Bremen, Leobener Strasse ZHG, D-28359 Bremen, Germany. loeschke@uni-bremen.de
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Loeschke
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Goldmann
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vollmer
mesh_terms: D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis*; D005557:Formaldehyde; D006801:Humans; D008867:Microtomy; D009161:Mycobacterium / Q000235:genetics*; D016612:Paraffin Embedding; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D016707:Tissue Fixation
chemical_list: D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D005557:Formaldehyde